A bone scan may be ordered by a doctor to diagnose or investigate specific bone diseases. Since it is more sensitive than an X-ray, a bone scan may be able to detect problems that other tests may not. Because a bone scan involves radioactive material, it is considered part of radiology or nuclear medicine.
Purpose
Bone scans may be used to look at bone injuries such as fractures. They may also be ordered for individuals with chronic bone or joint disorders such as osteoporosis, arthritis, Paget's disease or avascular necrosis. Cancers of the bone or cancers that have potentially metastasized to the bone are other reasons for a bone scan. Bone infections can also be diagnosed and assessed using a bone scan. In some cases, an individual with unexplained bone pain may have a bone scan so the doctor can better diagnose the problem.
Procedure
The procedure for a bone scan takes a few hours, with the actual scan lasting approximately one hour, according to Medline Plus. At the start of a bone scan, radioactive material is injected into the patient's vein. In a three-phase bone scan, images are taken immediately after the injection, a short while later and then three to four hours after the injection in order to track changes in the bone over time. In a simple bone scan, such as those used for bone cancer, only a single set of images will be taken three to four hours post-injection.
Radioactivity
According to Cancer Help UK, a bone scan delivers about the same amount of radioactivity as 200 X-rays and the radioactive material leaves the body within about 24 hours after the procedure. In a healthy skeletal system, the radioactive material moves through the bone evenly. If the radioactive tracer accumulates in certain areas or is noticeably absent in certain areas, this can indicate possible problems with the bone.
Safety
A bone scan typically involves few side effects. Because the amount of radioactive material injected during the scan is low, the risk of problems related to exposure to radioactivity is also low. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the injected material, which can include swelling, a rash or anaphylaxis--a severe reaction that is a medical emergency. Pregnant women should not have a bone scan because the radioactivity may harm the developing baby.
Results
According to Cancer Help UK, the results from a bone scan may take up to a couple of weeks to come back. Typically, a specialist in nuclear medicine or radiology will have to analyze the scan and interpret the results before consulting with the doctor who ordered the scan. A bone scan is only one part of the tests and observations needed to make a particular diagnosis.
Member Comments