A physician may order a bone scan, also called a nuclear bone scan or skeletal scintigraphy, if they think you may be experiencing a health complication related to the bone. Bone scans are valuable diagnostic tools that can reveal potential complications relating to arthritis, cancer, fractures and other conditions. As a nuclear imaging test, bone scans typically use a tiny amount of ionizing radiation in a safe, controlled manner, using gamma rays to highlight areas of abnormal bone growth.
A bone scan carries no greater risk than conventional X-rays and is generally well-tolerated by patients. The radiopharmaceuticals, known as radiotracers or simply tracers, collect in spots of the body where bone may be unhealthy or damaged, helping physicians better understand potential complications a patient may be experiencing.
What Is a Nuclear Bone Scan?
A bone scan is an imaging test that can help diagnose conditions and medical complications related to the bones. A nuclear bone scan uses a safe amount of a radioactive drug from the group radiopharmaceuticals. The radioactive drug administered during a bone scan is often referred to as a dye because it can highlight areas of unhealthy bone.
There are numerous reasons your doctor may order a nuclear bone scan, such as revealing problems with bone metabolism, the process in which bones naturally break down and rebuild. A bone scan provides a physician with information on any abnormal or unhealthy metabolic activity within the bone. In some cases, a bone scan may be used to detect bone cancer or cancer that has spread from somewhere else in the body to the bone.
How Does a Bone Scan Work?
Healthy bones should reflect a symmetrical distribution of radiotracers under the scanner. If tracers cluster in one area, known as a hot spot, this indicates higher bone metabolism and blood flow to the area.
In contrast, cold spots happen when bone areas emit significantly fewer gamma rays than they should, indicating restricted blood flow and slowed bone metabolism. Both hot and cold spots suggest tissue damage from infections, cancers or other conditions.
What Happens During a Bone Scan?
A bone scan works by injecting tracers into the body and then scanning it. The procedure can be broken down into three stages.
1. Tracer Injection
As you prepare for your bone scan, your physician will inject tracers into the arm to help determine the parts of the damaged or unhealthy bone. Sometimes, a physician may opt for an intravenous (IV) line to deliver these tracers instead of a traditional injection.
While you’re waiting, the tracers will travel through the body and concentrate around areas of damaged bone tissue. Tracers typically need between one to four hours to have enough time to work their way through the body. In some cases, you may leave the facility for an hour or two after injection while you wait for your scheduled bone scan. In others, your physician may start your bone scan immediately, depending on what they are looking for.
Allowing the tracers adequate time to travel through the body is essential for an effective bone scan. As you wait for your bone scan, your physician may recommend drinking some water, which can help flush excess tracers from the system.
2. Skeletal Imaging
Depending on the reason for a bone scan, some scans may be performed immediately after injecting a tracer. Following the appropriate waiting period, another set of scans will be taken once the tracer has traveled through the body and concentrated on damaged bone portions. Some diagnoses may require a third round of imaging and, rarely, a fourth phase 24 hours after injection.
Before starting the imaging portion of the scan, you will likely be asked to use the restroom and empty your bladder. A full bladder can distort certain scans, especially of the pelvis. You’ll lie down on the scanning table while the specialized gamma-ray-sensitive camera moves over you multiple times to capture the necessary images. You may be repositioned several times during the scan to provide different points of view.
3. Bone Scan Aftercare
Following your bone scan, it is best to drink plenty of water and fluids to help flush the tracers from the body. You’ll want to ensure you are well-hydrated for the next few days to help your body process and remove the tracers.
A health care provider will check the site for irritation if you received tracers through an intravenous line. You should notify your physician if you notice any swelling, pain, or uncomfortable side effects related to the injection or IV site.
In most cases, patients can resume daily activities and their normal diet unless their physician specifies otherwise. If you’re breastfeeding, discuss a post-scan baby-feeding plan with your doctor, as they may recommend you stop breastfeeding for one to two days after the scan. If you need specific or alternate instructions, your physician will be able to supply this information before you leave. Most bone scan results are available 24 to 48 hours after your appointment.
How Long Does a Bone Scan Take?
Bone scans can take two to six hours, depending on which area of your body is being scanned, how long the tracer takes to spread throughout the target area, which type of bone scan you’re getting and which indicators your physician is looking for. Generally, the injection takes around 10 minutes, and you’ll return for imaging after roughly three hours.
What Is a Bone Scan Used For?
A bone scan is a versatile diagnostic tool that can detect numerous health conditions and complications related to the bone. Bone scans can help detect and diagnose many conditions, including:
- Bone trauma: A bone scan can detect trauma or injury to the bone, including the most common bone fractures. With the results of a bone scan, physicians can also determine the age of fractures.
- Arthritis: If you are experiencing unexplained pain, a bone scan can help detect an underlying condition, including arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Bone cancer: Bone scans are highly effective in detecting cancer because there is an increase in bone repair and metabolism in areas where cancer cells are present. In some cases, bone scans may also determine the stage of cancer in following a treatment to evaluate its effectiveness.
- Paget’s disease of bone: Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic condition that disrupts and negatively impacts how new bone tissue replaces old bone tissue. A bone scan can help detect and properly diagnose this condition.
- Fibrous dysplasia: A nuclear bone scan can detect abnormal and scar-like tissue present on the bones, a condition known as fibrous dysplasia.
- Bone infections: Osteomyelitis, commonly known as a bone infection, can be detected during a bone scan. The infecting pathogen can travel to the bone via the bloodstream or from a nearby tissue infection.
Why Would Your Doctor Order a Bone Scan?
Your physician may recommend a skeletal scintigraphy for several reasons, particularly if you are experiencing specific symptoms. These symptoms include persistent pain in bones or joints, unexplained swelling or difficulty moving around. Additionally, patients with a history of cancer may require bone scans to check for metastasis (spread of cancer) to the bones. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to timely intervention and better health outcomes.
How Do I Prepare for a Bone Scan?
You need to do very little in preparation for a bone scan. Like with any procedure, let your physician know about any chronic conditions or allergies and which medications you take, including vitamins, minerals and supplements. It also is essential to notify your doctor if there is any chance you may be pregnant. A bone scan is typically not performed on pregnant women or nursing mothers due to concerns over the potential effects of radiation exposure on the baby.
Before a bone scan, you can eat as you usually do. A medical professional may ask you to drink several glasses of water after the injection to disperse the tracers, so you will likely need to limit your fluid intake shortly before your scan. You can follow your normal routine and daily activities before your bone scan appointment. You will, however, want to let your physician know if you take any medicine with bismuth, like Pepto-Bismol, or if you have undergone an X-ray test with barium recently.
You may need to wait for several hours while the tracers disperse, so bring along something to entertain or occupy you, like a book or a fully charged smartphone and earbuds. Lastly, before the imaging portion of your bone scan, your physician may ask you to remove any jewelry, watches or piercings for optimal image quality.
Schedule a Bone Scan With Impression Imaging
If you need a bone scan for diagnostics or want a second opinion, you can trust the world-class team at Impression Imaging to guide you through the process and help you find clarity. We strive to provide our patients with the highest level of care and utilize state-of-the-art equipment to provide exceptional quality bone scans. Our team combines innovative technology and radiology expertise using nuclear imaging to give your doctors the information they need to assist in your care.
We prioritize our patients’ needs and create a smooth, comfortable, supportive experience from our two industry-leading imaging facilities in Tamarac and Boca Raton, Florida. Our expert radiologists work closely with your doctors to ensure they receive the information they need for your care efficiently and promptly.
If you are looking for high-quality radiology services and imaging, request an appointment online today or call our office at (954) 580-2780.
