Bone Scan

(Radionuclide Bone Scan; Bone Scintigraphy)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

A bone scan is a test to look for changes in bone activity, such as injury or disease. It uses radioactive isotopes and tracer chemicals to highlight problem areas.

Skeletal System

Reasons for Test

The test is done to look for bone problems, such as:

Stress injuries, such as a stress fracture and shin splints
Infection, such as osteomyelitis
Arthritis
Bone tumors
Cancer that has spread to the bones
Trauma
Metabolic problems, such as Paget disease
Nutrition problems that can affect bones, like low vitamin D levels
Death of an area of bone tissues due to blocked blood flow, such as avascular necrosis

Stress Fractures

$Tib / Fib fracture$

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Infection
Allergic reaction to the injected material

Some people worry about the use of radioactive material in a bone scan. The amount of radioactivity is small and passes from the body in 2 to 3 days.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

The care team will meet with you to talk about:

Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Whether you have taken any bismuth medicines within the last 4 days
Whether you had a barium contrast x-ray within the last 4 days

Description of the Test

You will have radioactive tracer chemicals injected 3 hours before the scan. You should drink plenty of fluids between the time of the injection and the scan. You will also be asked to empty your bladder before the scan.

You will be asked to remove any jewelry. You will lie on your back on an imaging table. A camera above and below the table will slowly scan you. You may be asked to change positions as the scan is done. You will be asked to remain still. The camera will detect small amounts of radioactivity in the injected material. This will allow the doctor to see areas where there may be bone injury or disease.

After Test

You will be able to leave after the test is done.

How Long Will It Take?

You will be in the scanner for 20 to 60 minutes. Sometimes another scan is done after 24 hours.

Will It Hurt?

Most people do not have any problems after this test. You will be able to go back to normal activities.

Results

If your bone tissue is healthy, the scan will show that the chemical has spread evenly to all of your bones. If there is an area of disease, darker or lighter areas will be seen on the scan. These will show the areas with abnormal bone activity.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
https://www.health.gov.on.ca

References:

Bone scan. Cancer.Net website. Available at: https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/tests-and-procedures/bone-scan. Accessed September 15, 2020.

Bone scan. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/bone-scan. Accessed September 15, 2020.

Skeletal scintigraphy (bone scan). Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bone-scan. Accessed September 15, 2020.

Snderlin BR, Raspa R. Common stress fractures. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 15, 2020.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Shawna Grubb, RN
Last Updated: 3/23/2021