A bone scan can be used
to locate any problem areas of the spine.
The bone scan works by injecting a radioactive
chemical, sometimes called a "tracer", into
the bloodstream through an IV. The chemical
will attach itself to areas of bone that are
undergoing rapid changes. Over a period of
several hours, a lot of the tracer accumulates
in the problem area(s).
A special camera is then used to take pictures
of the skeleton. The chemical tracer is radioactive,
and therefore sends out radiation that can
be captured by the camera. Specific problem
areas show up on the film as dark spots or
"hotspots".
A bone scan is very useful when it is unclear
exactly where the problem is in the skeleton.
The ability to take a picture that lights
up the area where the problem seems to be
coming from allows the doctor to pinpoint
where to look next. After locating the problem
areas, other tests can be done to show more
aspects of those specific spots. The bone
scan can identify problem areas such as bone
tumors and compression fractures. A bone scan
can also be used to determine bone density
and the bone-thinning condition of osteoporosis.
