bone scan

bone scan A nuclear medicine technique for creating images of bones on a computer screen or on film. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. It collects in the bones, especially in abnormal areas of the bones, and is detected by an instrument called a scanner. Bone scans are used for the detection and monitoring of disorders that affect the bones, including Paget disease, cancer, infections, and fractures. Bone scanning is also helpful in evaluating and measuring the activity of certain joint diseases.