Bone scans are a radiologic procedure that can be used to measure bone metabolism. Bone metabolism describes the process by which bones are broken down and then reformed. Various diseases can cause disorders in bone metabolism, including arthritis, infections, fractures, and Paget's disease of the bone. A bone scan measures bone metabolism by injecting a special radioactive dye and then looking at the bones through a special camera.
Step 1
Identify the bones on the scan. Some bones (like the leg or the spine) may be easy to identify. On the other hand, if the scan takes an image from up-close, it may be harder to identify the bones. Use an anatomy atlas if you are having trouble.
Step 2
Determine time and orientation of the scan. Because scans can be taken from many different directions, it is important to know which side is right and which is left, especially when looking at limbs. Most scans will have a label or some indicator on the scan as to the orientation. Because bone scans can also be taken as a series of images over time, it is important to know where the scan fits in the series.
Step 3
Look for dark, medium and light areas. A bone scan uses a special dye to detect bone metabolism and turnover. Bright spots are areas of unusually high metabolism and turnover, and dark spots are areas where there is little or no bone metabolism (which could be due to a lack of circulation).
Member Comments