Bone scintigraphy

Nuclear Medicine studies (scintigraphy) are methods of Diagnostic Imaging that use radioactive isotopes. They are prescribed to detect both morphological and especially functional alterations of the different organs and systems.

Depending on the types of radiotracers used, scintigraphies allow visualizing the structure and function of different organs and systems.

Bone scans allow the diagnosis of arthritis, infection in bones and joints, the location of bone metastases, among other bone diseases.

Bone scintigraphy

What does it consist of?

Scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine technique that consists of injecting small doses of radioactive material (tracer) to measure the functioning of different organs and systems. The tracer, which releases gamma rays, travels through the blood and is absorbed by the organs.

Subsequently, a camera with gamma radiation detectors makes it possible to obtain images of the highlighted areas.

This test examines the entire skeleton, so it can provide useful and detailed information for the diagnosis of unexplained bone pain, bone fractures, arthritis, bone or joint infections, and cancers that cause bone metastases, among other bone pathologies.

When is it recommended?

Who is Bone scintigraphy intended for?

Your doctor may recommend a bone scintigraphy in the following cases:

To detect fractures, especially when they are not visible on conventional X-rays.
To identify bone infections (osteomyelitis) or inflammation.
To assess the presence of bone metastases in oncology patients.
To diagnose bone diseases such as Paget’s disease or other metabolic bone disorders.
To evaluate the cause of unexplained bone pain.

Preparation for the test

Instructions

Scans usually take about 3 hours. When you arrive, they will administer a contrast and until it takes effect, you cannot perform the test, which lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. While waiting for the reabsorption of the contrast, the patient can wait in one of our rooms or go for a walk around the center.

Expert opinion

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