What is a Bone Scan? Know the Purpose and Procedure
 |
| Illustration of the What is a Bone Scan? Know the Purpose and Procedure |
What is a Bone Scan? Know the Purpose and Procedure. A bone scan is an imaging test to look for problems in the bones, such as infection or cancer. Know the goals, benefits, risks, and procedures of bone scans to make a correct diagnosis.
Bone scan is one of the medical imaging techniques used to check the health of bones in the body in more detail. This method is very useful for detecting a variety of bone problems that may not be obvious with regular X-rays.
In this article, we will discuss what a bone scan is, its purpose, functions, procedures, and things to consider before undergoing this examination.
What is a bone scan?
A bone scan, or bone scan, is a medical imaging procedure used to diagnose problems in bones. This procedure involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material called radiopharmaceuticals.
This substance is injected into the body and then absorbed by the bones. During the scan, a special camera detects the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceutical and produces images of the bones in the body.
A bone scan is different from a CT scan of bones. Computed tomography (CT scan) uses X-rays and a computer to produce three-dimensional images of the bone and surrounding tissues. Both are used for different purposes in diagnosing bone diseases.
Purpose and Function of Bone Scan
Bone scans have several important purposes and functions in medical diagnostics:
1. Detect cancer metastases
Bone scans are often used to detect the spread of cancer (metastases) to the bone. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer are some of the cancers that often spread to the bones.
2. Diagnosis of fractures and injuries
This procedure helps detect fractures that may not be visible on conventional X-rays, especially minor or stress fractures.
3. Detection of bone infection (osteomyelitis)
Bone scans are very useful for detecting infections in bones that are difficult to identify with other methods.
4. To identify bone metabolic diseases
Diseases such as osteoporosis or Paget's disease can be diagnosed with bone scans.
5. Assess bone and joint diseases
Bone scans help in the evaluation of conditions such as arthritis or other degenerative diseases.
Organs that can be examined with bone scans
A bone scan can be used to examine almost any bone in the body. Here are some parts of the body that are often examined with bone scans:
1. Spine
Bone scans can reveal problems in the spine, including fractures, cancer metastases, and infections. CT scans of the spine are also often used to get a more detailed picture.
2. Tailbone
Coccyx problems, such as fractures or infections, can be identified with a bone scan or CT scan of the coccyx.
3. Skeletal bones
The entire skeleton of the body can be examined for metastases, cancer, or other systemic diseases.
4. Long bones
Long bones, such as the femur or humerus, are often the object of examination to detect fractures or infections.
Bone Scan Procedure
The bone scan procedure includes several stages, from preparation to doing and post-examination. Here are the main steps in the bone scan procedure:
1. Preparation
Patients may be asked to avoid certain foods or drinks before the procedure. Patients should also tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, as radioactive materials can affect the fetus or baby.
2. Radiopharmaceutical administration
Radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel, usually in the arm. This radiopharmaceutical will circulate in the body and be absorbed by the bones within a few hours.
3. Waiting for suction
After the injection, the patient needs to wait a few hours for the radiopharmacy to be absorbed into the bone. During this time, patients can perform normal activities, but it is recommended to drink plenty of water to help remove any remaining radioactive material from the body.
4. Photographers
The patient will be asked to lie down on the examination table, and a gamma camera will scan the body. This camera will detect the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceutical and obtain images from the bones. This process it is usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
5. Made
Once the scan is complete, the patient it is can return to the normal activities. The doctor will evaluate the results of the images and discuss the data with the patient.
Things to Do Before a Bone Scan
Before undergoing a bone scan, there are a few things to consider to ensure that the procedure goes smoothly and safely:
1. Health information
Tell your doctor about any current medical conditions, including allergies, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. This information is important to avoid the risk of complications.
2. Fasting and fluids
Follow your doctor's instructions for food and drink before your procedure. Usually, no special preparation is required, but it is important to drink plenty of water after radiopharmaceutical administration.
3. Remove accessories
Avoid wearing jewelry or other metal accessories during the procedure, as this may interfere with the results.
4. Psychological preparation
If you feel anxious or anxious, talk to your doctor or healthcare professional for more information about the procedure and its benefits.
Side effects of bone scan
A bone scan is a relatively safe procedure, but like any medical procedure, you need to be aware of some of the risks and side effects:
1. Radiation exposure
Although the amount of radiation used in bone scans is very small, there is still a risk of radiation exposure. This risk is lower compared to the diagnostic benefits obtained.
2. Allergic reactions
Some of the patients may experience allergic reactions to the radiopharmaceuticals used. These reactions are rare and usually mild, such as a rash or itching.
3. Discomfort during injections
Patients may feel uncomfortable with the administration of radioactive materials. This pain or the discomfort it is usually temporary.
4. Minor side effects
Patients may experience nausea, dizziness, or headaches after the procedure, but these effects are rare and usually mild.
Bone scans are a very important diagnostic tool in the medical world, helping doctors diagnose various bone diseases more accurately.
The procedure involves using radioactive material absorbed by the bone and then scanned with a gamma camera to produce detailed images.
Bone scans have a variety of purposes, including detecting cancer metastases, fractures, infections, and metabolic bone diseases. With this procedure, almost all bones in the body can be examined, from the spine to long bones.
Before undergoing a bone scan, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions and prepare well. Although this procedure is relatively safe, patients should be aware of the potential side effects and associated risks.
With a better understanding of what a bone scan is and how this procedure is performed, patients can feel more relaxed and ready to undergo this examination to get an accurate and accurate diagnosis.
So ESMEDIA friends, that's what the article was about: What is a Bone Scan? Know the Purpose and Procedure
