Bone Scan

A bone scan is a diagnostic exam that evaluates the bones for new areas of growth or breakage. It may be used for the entire body or just a certain area, and can diagnose a specific problem. A bone scan can often detect abnormalities much earlier than a regular X-ray.

During a bone scan, a radioactive tracer substance is injected into a vein in the arm and helps show cell activity and function of the bones as it travels through them. A special camera can capture images of the tracer to help identify any abnormalities. The procedure takes about an hour and is generally painless.

A bone scan can help diagnose bone fractures or chronic, unexplained bone pain.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus
• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• WebMD

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