A bone scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging exam used to identify disease, injury and abnormalities of the bones and joints. The space-age-sounding element, “nuclear,” derives from the use of tiny amounts of radioactive materials, called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers, to visualize bone and joint disorders, assess their condition, and, in some cases, monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
A bone scan works by injecting a radiotracer into a vein, where it attaches to the bones, highlighting the area(s) of study. It can take a few hours for the radiotracer to work its way throughout the body. Areas in which the radiotracer is either poorly or overly absorbed (called hot spots) can indicate possible bone damage or disease. A specialized gamma camera captures images of the bones and/or joints to look for fractures, infection, inflammation, cancer and other problems.
When a doctor has ordered a nuclear bone scan, patients of course have questions. Let’s cover some of the most common, starting with our first one:
Is a Nuclear Bone Scan Painful?
No, the bone scan itself is completely painless. The only discomfort some patients report comes from having to lie still throughout the imaging process, which can take from 15 minutes up to an hour. This can be particularly uncomfortable if lying down places pressure on a recent injury or surgical site. Of course, the RAO staff goes out of its way to ensure your comfort. If lying still or severe claustrophobia are issues, we will do everything possible to enhance your well-being.
While accuracy is always our first priority, we strive to keep patients relaxed and imaging times as quick as possible.
Why Did My Doctor Order a Bone Scan?
Oftentimes, a bone scan is needed to deliver extensive, detailed information about bone structure, function and cell growth that another imaging exam, such as x-ray, MRI or CT, can’t or fails to provide. Common reasons for a nuclear bone scan include:
Identifying and evaluating the source and cause of bone and/or joint pain
Homing in on stress, hairline, osteoarthritic and other hard-to-find fractures
Checking for infection of the bone (osteomyelitis)
Discovering primary or metastasized cancer
Monitoring the effectiveness of any bone cancer treatment
How Is a Bone Scan Performed?
There are no special prep requirements for a nuclear bone scan. You can eat and drink normally and take your medications as usual.
As mentioned, a radiotracer will be injected into a vein in your arm. Imaging may take place in two stages, the first one not long after the injection, and the second 2-4 hours later. This will depend on how much absorption of the radiopharmaceutical is necessary to assess your particular problem. The images can take anywhere from 15-60 minutes to complete. In less common cases, patients may need to return the following day to complete the imaging process.
If the area of the body being scanned permits it, you may be able to remain clothed during your exam. You will, however, have to remove any clothing containing metal, like buttons, zippers or hooks.
After the scan, you can continue on with your day as normal. If you plan to take a sedative, it is wise to have someone drive you to and from your exam.
What Are the Aftereffects of a Bone Scan?
In most cases, there are no aftereffects of a nuclear bone scan or the use of a radiotracer. In rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to a carrier material in the injection, but most reactions are mild and pass quickly. In the extremely rare event that a reaction is more serious, your RAO staff will treat it immediately.
Because the radiotracer is flushed from the body through the urine, it is important to drink plenty of water in the 24 hours following the procedure, and wash your hands after going to the bathroom.
Is a Nuclear Bone Scan Safe?
The dose of radiation from the radiotracer is quite small, comparable to a diagnostic x-ray. The professionals of RAO carefully monitor and control the level to get the highest degree of accuracy with the lowest possible dose.
Who Will Perform the Bone Scan?
Your exam will be performed by a highly-trained and experienced nuclear medicine technologist. The images of your bone scan will be scrutinized in-house by RAO’s Board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists, and shared directly with your referring physician, who will discuss your results with you.
If you need a nuclear medicine bone scan, you have the option to choose technologically-advanced RAO for your service. As the exclusive radiology services provider to AdventHealth Ocala, Ocala Regional Medical Center, West Marion Community Hospital and Bayfront Health Seven Rivers in Citrus County, we are Marion County’s trusted imaging leader since 1973.
