Everything You Need To Know About Bone Scans
This article was written to answer many of the most
frequently asked questions on the subject of bone scans. If you have
chronic back pain, a bone scan may be one of the scarier tests that you
may undergo, but it is actually a fairly safe and relatively painless
procedure.
First off, what is a bone scan?
Simply put it's a study done to show problem spots on the spine. A
radioactive chemical, sometimes called a "tracer", is injected into the
bloodstream. The chemical quickly attaches itself to sections of the
bones that are actively making new bone. Images are taken of the
skeleton, several hours after the shot.
How is a bone scan done?
An intravenous line (IV) goes in your arm or hand. The chemical tracer
is injected into the bloodstream through the IV.
There is a waiting time of two to three hours, while the chemical
attaches itself to any areas of bone that are undergoing quick changes.
Generally, you are free to leave and come back after this time.
After that, you will be asked to lie or sit underneath a large "camera"
that takes pictures of your skeleton. Because the chemical tracer is
radioactive, it sends out radiation that can be captured by a unique
camera. The camera is analogous to a “Geiger counter" in that it uses
film to capture the radioactivity. The process takes 30-90 minutes.
Why a bone scan?
When it is uncertain precisely where the problem is in the skeleton, a
bone scan is very helpful. It offers the ability to isolate any problem
areas by taking a picture of the whole skeleton. Concentrations of the
chemical look like dark spots on the film. In an adult, this usually
indicates there is a problem. The increased bone-making activity is an
answer to the trouble. For example, bone cells will very rapidly start
to make new bone to try to mend it, if there is a crack of the bone.
Once these areas are located on the bone scan, the physician may order
other tests for exact information about your condition.
A bone scan can show problems such as fractures of the spine, infection,
and bone tumors. It can also be used to resolve bone density and the
bone-thinning condition of osteoporosis.
How risky is a bone scan?
The chemical is radioactive, but it disappears from the body very
rapidly-within hours. Something injected into the bloodstream can always
provoke an allergic response. Generally, an allergic reaction to the
chemical is uncommon.
What are the limitations of a bone scan?
The bone scan does not show details of the bones or soft tissue. It
simply shows how greatly the bone around an exact area is reacting to
the problem.
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. You should continue
searching for additional information to help you.
Liana Mirkin is the IT Director for Spina Systems International, Inc., a
company which specializes in distributing the Accu-SPINA machine, which
treats chronic back pain in 86%-94% of patients without surgery. You may
find the website at SpinaProgram.com
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