Bone Scan
Understanding Bone Scan
What is Bone Scan?
A bone scan is used to create images of bones and assess any abnormal metablic activity in bones. A small amount of radioactive drug called radiopharmaceutical is also used during the procedure. This drug accumulates in the bones and tissues in proportion to the activity of bones and emits gamma radiations. These radiations are captured by a scanner to create images. The abnormally active and brighest spots are called hot spots and are visualized with special cameras against less bright/ cold spots. This test is recommended by a physician to assess bone trauma, age of fracture, bone pain and infection.
It also aids in diagnosis of various medical conditions such as arthritis, avascular necrosis, bone cancers, osteomyelitis, fibrous dysplasia, fracture, infection and paget’s disease.
Rarely, some people can show allergic reaction to the injected chemical. Pregnant and lactating women are not advised to undergo this test as gamma radiations may affect the fetus and radioactive drug can get mixed with the milk.
What is Bone Scan used for?
- • To identify different bone disorders that may not be visible under normal X-ray, includes minute fractures causing bone pain • To diagnose bone cancer or cancer cells of the other organs that have metastasized to the bones • To identify infections of the joints or bones • To diagnose any abnormality in the blood supply to the bones • To diagnose suspected arthritis (inflammation of joints)
Other tests
