What is Bone Scan?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a bone scan used for?

 A bone scan uses include

•  To detect fractures that cannot be detected easily.
•  To determine the age of fractures.
•  To check the reason for unexplained bone pain.
•  In assessing bone trauma which goes unnoticed in normal X-rays.
•    To check whether cancer from other organs has spread to the bone(metastasis).
• To check for bone conditions such as Paget’s disease wherein thickening of soft.      
•  Bone occurs along with softening and curving of it. (common in people above 50
•  To detect Avascular necrosis(loss of blood supply to the bone resulting in the death of                  Bone tissue.
•    To detect bone infections. (Osteomyelitis).

Understanding test results of a bone scan?

A person specialising in image reading (radiologist) will examine your scan for abnormal bone metabolism. The normal consideration of the scan is when the tracer is distributed uniformly throughout the body. Unusual bone metabolism appears in darker “hot spots” and lighter “cold spots” based on tracer accumulation or non-accumulation. 

Why do I need a bone scan?

A bone scan is essentially used for the diagnosis of metastatic cancer. However, bone scan has a wide application, such as assessing a bone trauma that X-rays cannot detect, examining inexplicable bone pain, detecting fractures at critical locations, and determining conditions like arthritis, Paget’s disease, or others. 

What happens during the scan?

The scanner moves slowly over you and detects the radiation emitted by the concentrated radioactive substance in your tissue. The radionuclide is injected and allowed to concentrate for 1-3 hours. You will be asked to remove clothes (a different gown is provided) and jewellery to avoid interference in the procedure. 

Is MRI better than bone scan?

 Yes, MRI  is better than bone scan as MRI can help detect physical abscess and abnormal appearances. They are preferred to bone scan as they  are more effective in detecting cancer earlier and help in detecting the disease before it reaches bones.

What can a bone scan be used to diagnose?

Bone scan, a nuclear, radiological procedure, is used to diagnose and detect various conditions of the bone. It helps in the early detection of primary cancer and metastatic cancer (cancer spread from other organs). Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone marrow, can also be detected by bone scan. It can also be used to assess and monitor the treatment efficiency of bone abnormalities.

Do they put you to sleep during a bone scan?

Bone scan, a nuclear imaging technique, is a painless and quick procedure requiring no prior preparation. This is done as an outpatient procedure wherein a tracer is injected intravenously. No sedation is given, and you are not put to sleep. You are made to lie still on the X-ray table while the scanner scans your body.

Can a bone scan detect osteoporosis?

A bone scan is not used to detect osteoporosis. Instead, it assesses the risk of developing fracture and indicates the type of treatment. A scan called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA or DEXA) is used to determine the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Is bone scan claustrophobic?

The chances of triggering claustrophobia in a bone scan are rare. It is not performed in an enclosed space. Instead, the radiologist remains in the room throughout the procedure. However, let the doctor know about your symptoms or discomfort before the process. They will help you with the best treatment possible. 

Do you have to take your clothes off for bone scans?

Bone scan, a simple radiological procedure, does not need any prior preparation. You need not remove your clothes and remain fully clothed during the entire procedure. But if your clothes contain any metal fasteners such as hooks, zips, or buckles, you need to remove them as it interferes with the scanning procedures. In certain hospitals, make you wear a gown.