A bone scan, also known as a scintigraphy, is a nuclear imaging test that evaluates bone cell function. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, a bone scan involves injecting a radioactive material, called...
Bone scans are ordered by physicians for a variety of reasons including pain of undetermined origin. There are many conditions that will result in an abnormal finding on a bone scan. Scan results may confirm or rule out clinical suspicions, but...
A bone scan, sometimes called bone scintigraphy, is a test performed to identify areas of increased, often abnormal, mineral activity of the skeleton. A radioactive chemical is injected into the bloodstream and x-rays are performed several hours...
Bone density needs to remain at a therapeutic level within the bone. Bones need calcium to strengthen them. Without enough strength within it, the bone will become brittle and break, MayoClinic.com reports. People who do not already have...
Our bones are what give our bodies shape, support and the ability to move. Although they are rigid, they are made up of living tissue that continually undergoes remodeling. Bone remodeling is a process involving the breakdown and resorption of old...
A larger than normal number of white blood cells, leukocytes, in the blood, called leukocytosis, can occur for many reasons. Bone marrow produces around 100 billion white blood cells each day, with the white blood cell count falling between 4,000...
Pediatric bone scans are used to identify and diagnose bone diseases and disorders in children that do not typically show up on typical X-rays. Bone scans are performed on children who present to the doctor with growth retardation, bone pain or...
Bone growth is governed by a number of factors. Initial bone growth is determined by the growth and proliferation of cartilage cells--the cartilage tissue becomes calcified to become bone tissue. Once initial bone growth is complete, the bones...
Tendons are thick fibrous structures that connect muscle to bone. Whenever the wrist moves, the muscles contract and then transmit that force through the tendons. The tendons then pull on the wrist bones to create movement. Tendinitis, which is...
A bone scan is a radiologic technique in which a small amount of a radioactive chemical, also known as a tracer, is injected into the veins. This tracer is used to help visualize how fast bones are being broken down and reformed. The radioactive...
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. These cells circulate in the blood, originating in the bone marrow. Abnormal plasma cells are found in the blood and these cells cause problems throughout the body. The Multiple Myeloma Research...
While lumbar back ache represents one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, lower back injuries have many different causes. Symptoms of back pain and fatigue, however, most often arise from systematic overuse of muscles. Unlike an acute...
Bone diseases are disorders and conditions that cause abnormal development and/or impairment in normal bone development. This can result in weakened bones, inflamed joints and pain. Your bones naturally lose density after the age of 20 due to the...
A lesion is a localized pathological change in a tissue. Many diseases affect the functioning or structure of bones, which are responsible for support, movement and synthesis of blood cells in the marrow. Bone lesions may be classified in various...
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D is found in dairy products such as eggs, cheese and fortified milk, as well as in fish and beef liver. Vitamin D is important because it helps the body...
A delicate balance exists in keeping the bones of the body healthy and strong. Abnormalities in this delicate balance can lead to many diseases and conditions that must be treated promptly to avoid further complications. Imaging tests, such as a...
Vitamin D is an important nutrient for the health and maintenance of bones. It is also important for the functions of the immune system, and for improving muscle strength. Vitamin D is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the...
The skeletal system is made up of bones and connective tissue. The bones are supported by cartilage and ligaments. Disorders of the skeletal system include fractures, deformities and diseases. Age, genetics and lifestyle are factors in skeletal...
The body uses vitamin D3 as part of a bone-making and maintenance team. Vitamin D3 is not actually a vitamin at all but is a hormone mainly used to signal the release and absorption of calcium and phosphorus from various body tissues. The body is...
All of the body’s bones have a soft, fatty tissue inside them called bone marrow. Normally, the bone marrow makes blood stem cells, or immature cells that develop into mature blood cells over time. Stem cells in the bone marrow produce blood...
Alkaline phosphatase, often abbreviated to ALP, is an enzyme found mostly in liver and bone. Abnormal levels of ALP are usually elevations, although low levels of ALP occur in some conditions. ALP is measured as part of the liver function tests or...
Multiple myeloma is considered to be a hematological cancer. This means that it originates in the blood system. Myeloma cells are abnormal plasma cells that develop instead of the normal plasma cells. These cells do not die as normal blood cells...
Many diseases cause bone deficiencies. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Manuals website, some bone disorders cause pain, whereas others are asymptomatic. The Lerner Research Institute at the Cleveland Clinic---one of the top four...
Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along the edges of your bones, according to MayoClinic.com. Bone spurs are not painful, but rubbing against nearby bones and nerves can result in pain. These spurs can occur anywhere in the body --...
A bench press is a weightlifting exercise that works the muscles in your chest, shoulders and the backs of your arms. While the motions required for this exercise won't necessarily harm your shoulder joints, improper hand placement during a bench...
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in children (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) can exist for years before a diagnosis is made. Most people believe arthritis only occurs with aging. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in children can be mild or severe,...
Research suggests that the majority of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin both synthesized by the skin and absorbed from food. If a person has reduced exposure to the sun, does not eat enough food which...
Merrian-Webster Dictionary defines "callous" as an adjective with two possible meanings. It may describe someone who feels no emotion or sympathy for others. It also may describe a part of your body that has a callus, such as a "calloused hand."...
The feet absorb stress with each movement, leaving them susceptible to injuries. The heel is a common site for problems, and many ailments can afflict the heel. Treat heel pain right quickly to avoid complications that could evolve into a chronic...
Rickets is the softening and weakening of bones in children. Rickets is usually due to a deficiency of Vitamin D. Learn about the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for Rickets in this medical video.
Plantar fasciitis is a painful irritation on the underside of the heel. Learn how to diagnose and treat plantar fasciitis in this medical video.
Brittle bone disease, or osteogenesis imperfecta, is a genetic bone disorder wherein sufferers lack proper proteins to make healthy bones. Learn about brittle bone disease, including treatments, in this video.
