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If you're experiencing bone pain, an isotope bone scan could help discover the causes and allow your consultant to determine suitable treatment.
Let's guide you through the purpose of the scan, the benefits, what to expect during the procedure, how to prepare, and who can undergo this test. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what an isotope bone scan entails and why it might be.
If you've been experiencing unexplained bone pain, your consultant might suggest a bone scan. This scan is particularly useful for detecting a variety of conditions that might not appear on regular X-rays, including:
Other benefits include:
Comprehensive imaging: The scan can show your entire skeleton, providing a full picture of your bone health.
Sensitivity: Scans can detect very small changes in bone density, making it more accurate than some other imaging techniques.
Targeted results: The scan can help identify specific areas that might need further investigation or treatment.
Non-invasive: Aside from the isotope injection, this procedure is non-invasive and usually painless.
Quick results: From injection to scan, the whole process typically takes only a few hours, and you'll often get results within a couple of days.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
Before the procedure, your consultant will explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
On the day of the scan, please eat normally and hydrate well. Wear loose clothing and leave jewellery at home. You might be asked to wear a gown for the scan.
The first appointment lasts 30 minutes and involves the injection of the tracer, which contains a small amount of a radioactive substance, into a vein in your arm. The tracer travels through your bloodstream, and the radioactivity accumulates in your bones, especially in areas with increased bone activity.
After the injection, you'll need to wait for between two and four hours to allow the tracer to circulate and be absorbed by your bones. During the wait, you must drink plenty of water. This helps with the absorption process and reduces the amount of radioactive material that remains in your body.
You can also leave the hospital between the first and second appointment if you like.
The second appointment happens three hours later. Lasting between 30 mins and an hour, this scan is the part of the procedure when the images are generated.
When it's time for the scan, you'll be asked to empty your bladder, which also helps to reduce the amount of radioactivity in that area and helps create clearer images. Then, you'll lie down on a scanning table, and a special camera, called a gamma camera, will be positioned above and below you to take pictures of your bones.
The scan itself is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes, although it can vary depending on how many images are needed. The gamma camera will move slowly around you, capturing detailed images of your skeleton. It's important to lie as still as possible during the scan to make clear images.
The scan itself is painless and afterwards you will be able to drive.
A bone scan can be used to investigate a range of conditions. Below are just a few of the most common ones:
Unexplained pain - when the cause of bone pain is not apparent, the scan can help identify underlying issues such as hidden fractures or bone disorders.
Fractures - a scan is particularly useful in detecting stress fractures, which are tiny cracks in the bone that often don’t show up on X-rays.
Bone inflammation - conditions like arthritis can cause inflammation that is visible on a bone scan.
Bone metastases - when cancer spreads from its original site to the bones, it can cause significant pain and other complications. A bone scan can detect these metastases, often before they cause symptoms.
Osteomyelitis - this is an infection in the bone that can be challenging to diagnose with other imaging techniques. The scan can show the infected areas clearly.
Stay hydrated - as mentioned earlier, try to drink several glasses of water before and after the injection to help with the distribution and elimination of the radioactive tracer.
Clothing - wear comfortable clothing. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the scan, but loose-fitting clothes are best if you stay in your own attire.
Remove any metal - you'll need to remove any jewellery, glasses, or other metal objects that could interfere with the imaging process.
Medication - you can usually continue taking your prescribed medications, but always check with your doctor beforehand.
Food - there are usually no restrictions on eating before the scan, but your doctor can advise you about diet.
Pregnancy - if you are pregnant or think you might be, let your doctor know. The tracer could potentially harm the developing foetus, so alternative imaging methods may be more suitable.
Breastfeeding mothers - if you are breastfeeding, you might need to stop for a short period after the scan. Your doctor will advise you on how long you should avoid breastfeeding to ensure your body is completely free of any radioactivity.
Children - while bone scans can be performed on children, your doctor will determine if the scan is necessary and safe for your child.
The radioactive substance typically leaves your body within 24 hours, and during this time, you should help it on its way by continuing to empty your bladder frequently.
A standard bone scan will show an even distribution of the radioactive tracer throughout the bones. Areas of high tracer accumulation, known as 'hot spots' usually show issues such as fractures, infections, or tumours. Whereas colder 'spots' might indicate areas where the tracer didn’t accumulate, which could suggest a lack of blood supply to a bone or the presence of certain types of bone diseases.
Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend further tests or begin a treatment plan based on the results.
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about an isotope bone scan, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499
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Bone Scan - BNMS (British Nuclear Medicine Society)