Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
bone scan
Nuclear medicine imaging study using radioactive tracers to detect bone metabolism abnormalities.
Full Definition
A nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses small amounts of radioactive material to evaluate bone metabolism and detect areas of increased or decreased bone activity. In orthopedic sports medicine, bone scans are particularly useful for diagnosing stress fractures, osteomyelitis, and other bone pathologies that may not be visible on standard X-rays. The test involves injection of a radioactive tracer that accumulates in areas of active bone formation or destruction, creating 'hot spots' on the imaging study.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from DEXA bone density scans in documentation.
In Context
- "The bone scan showed increased uptake in the second metatarsal, consistent with stress fracture." — Imaging interpretation
- "A three-phase bone scan was ordered to evaluate for possible osteomyelitis." — Diagnostic workup
Also known as
bone scintigraphy
nuclear bone scan
Don't confuse with
bone density scan
CT scan