Bone Scan (Skeletal Scintigraphy) - My Child Has

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Bone Scan (Skeletal Scintigraphy)

Bone Scan (Skeletal Scintigraphy)

Programs that perform this procedure

Nuclear Medicine/PET Division

What is a Bone Scan?

A Bone Scan is a sensitive and non-invasive imaging technique that is used to visualize the bones. It is different from plain X-rays or CT, which can provide exquisite anatomical detail, in that it shows bone metabolism. It can be helpful to evaluate damage to the bones due to exercise or trauma, bone infection or other causes of unexplained bone pain. Bone scanning can detect focal bone cancer and determine the presence of local or distant metastatic lesions.

Bone Scan Movie
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Why would my doctor request a Bone Scan?

A Bone Scan can help assess:

Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
Back pain
Occult fracture(s)
Stress fractures and stress injuries
Avascular necrosis
Osteoid osteoma
Mandibular hypertrophy/hyperplasia
Certain types of caner
Mestastases in cancer

How to prepare for a Bone Scan

There is no preparation needed for this test. Your child may bring a security blanket/toy with them for the procedure. We have various videos or DVDs to choose from for your child to watch during the procedure or you can bring one from home.

How is a Bone Scan performed?

You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you and your child what will happen during the examination. A small amount of a radiopharmaceutical called Technetium-99m MDP will be injected into one of your child's veins. Your child will be free to leave and then return 3-4 hours after the injection for the actual imaging. The technologist will give you/your child an exact time to return for imaging. While waiting, you and your child are welcome to leave the area, and can conduct normal activity including eating and drinking. It is important to try to drink extra fluids during the waiting time in order to promote bladder emptying at the time of imaging. After returning for imaging, your child will be asked to void. The number of images obtained and the total imaging time will vary depending on the diagnosis under consideration. It is important that your child remain still during the imaging in order to obtain the best quality images possible. Motion will degrade the images and the test will need to be repeated.

Will it hurt?

Your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. The needle used for the procedure is small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected, the needle is withdrawn and a gauze bandage with adhesive tape is placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore.

Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch your child.

What happens after the study?

Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.

How do I obtain the results of the study?

The images will be processed and then the nuclear medicine physician will evaluate and interpret the study and promptly inform your child's referring physician of the results.

How can I obtain additional information?

For more information about our services at Children's Department of Nuclear Medicine, please contact us at:

Division of Nuclear Medicine
Children's Hospital Boston
300 Longwood Avenue, Pavilion 2
Boston, MA 02115
Main Number: 617-355-7010
Fax Number: 617-730-0623

How can I schedule an appointment?

To schedule an appointment please contact your referring physician as their office must schedule it for you. If you currently have an appointment and need to reschedule or are unable to make the appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance at 617-355-7010.


					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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