Bone Scan
A nuclear medicine imaging study using radioactive tracers to detect bone metabolism abnormalities, infections, or stress fractures in orthopedic patients.
Full Definition
A bone scan, also known as bone scintigraphy, is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers (typically technetium-99m) to evaluate bone metabolism and detect pathological processes. The tracer accumulates in areas of increased bone turnover, making it valuable for identifying stress fractures, infections, tumors, or other bone abnormalities that may not be visible on standard radiographs. In orthopedic rehabilitation, bone scans help guide treatment decisions by revealing the extent of bone involvement, monitoring healing progress, and detecting complications such as stress fractures in athletes or delayed union in fracture patients. The three-phase bone scan can differentiate between various pathological processes and is particularly useful in complex diagnostic scenarios.
Usage
Usage note: Specify if single-phase or three-phase scan; distinguish from DEXA bone density scans.
In Context
- "The bone scan revealed increased uptake consistent with a stress fracture in the second metatarsal." — Diagnostic imaging report
- "A three-phase bone scan was ordered to differentiate between infection and mechanical loosening of the prosthesis." — Clinical decision-making note