Combined Bone Scintigraphy
What is it?
This examination allows to study, through the intravenous application of a radiopharmaceutical, the presence of an inflammatory process and a possible alteration of the metabolic system of a specific bone district that may occur in some situations.
When is this exam indicated?
- osteomyelitis and septic arthritis;
- aseptic necrosis;
- follow-up of prosthesis implantation and autografts;
- mobilization of arthroplasty or its septic complications;
- suspected stress fractures;
- algo-dystrophy;
- osteoid osteoma.
How is it performed?
Diphosphonate derivatives are used, marked with Tc-99m pertechnetate and delivered intravenously.
The behavior of the radioactive tracer at the level of a bone segment is followed by sequential imaging from the time of administration until bone fixation.
Bone scintigraphy is therefore "polyphasic" because it allows to evaluate:
- inflow of the tracer into a particular bone segment (vascular phase);
- subsequent distribution of the tracer in the surrounding area (early phase);
- late uptake that depends on metabolic activity (late phase).The patient does not need any preparation.
The duration of the examination is about 3 hours.
It is recommended to take 2-3 glasses of water after the intravenous application to facilitate the elimination of the radiopharmaceutical.
Contraindications
The use of ionizing radiation. Minor allergic reactions have been reported.
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