Question 1

increased tracer uptake in the cervical spine/ body scan.  neck pain associated w/ torn labrum.  copd diagnosis as well. is this worth a second look?

Accepted Answer

Unclear story: Increased tracer uptake may or may not be pathological- arthritic joints in the neck will commonly have increased uptake.  If it is in the vertebral bone itself, that is unusual and would need a "second look".  A "torn labrum" would suggest shoulder pathology, not the neck- you may simply have your terms confused.  Obviously, you had a test done for a reason so need to f/u with the ordering doc.

Question 2

hi could you please explain what "moderately intense increased tracer uptake at the l5-s1 level of the lumbar spine and l4-5 level and right hip joint?

Accepted Answer

Bone scan?: Did you have a bone scan done?  Assuming that is the case, a chemical (tracer) is injected into the body and will "light up" anywhere there is increased bone activity (increased tracer uptake).  Causes of intense increased uptake usually are seen with a fracture, some metastatic lesions, and infections of the bone.  Moderate uptake can be seen in arthritic joints such as possibly your hip and back

Question 3

what does it mean from a bone scan saying a normal pattern of slightly increased tracer uptake is noted in the articular areas and the sternum?

Accepted Answer

Sounds like: they are describing the joints joining you ribs with your breast bone (stenum)  Since there is constant motion  in these joints the bone scan is probably showing that.
Hope this is helpful!

Dr Z

Question 4

cervical spine xray report says "diffuse increased density ofc1of indeterminate etiology but unchnged snce 2013" what might this mean, or indicate?

Accepted Answer

Dense bone: The skull rests on the first cervical vertebra, sometimes called the ATLAS, which is shaped like a ring.  The second vertebra or AXIS has a thumb shaped part that the ring rotates on.  You nod your head moving the skull on C1 and turn your head rotating C1 on C2.  Unchanged increased density of C1 may mean nothing more than that it is hard, and by itself does not diagnose any serious disease.

Question 5

does increase in tracer uptake means chances of cancer, or it is just a tumor formation site?

Accepted Answer

Depends upon: the tracer used and the imaging technique.

Perhaps you could ask the question again and give us more details

Dr Z

Question 6

q. 1 of 2. renogran, left kidney. parenchymal tracer uptake is reduced with negligible wash out. what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

If I understand the : Question correctly, the left kidney renogram shows decreased uptake of tracer, which means decreased kidney function.  The negligible wash out means little urine production, or possibly a blockage of the upper ureter.  Please discuss with your doctor, as this appearance needs to be correlated with your medical condition and the reason your doctor ordered the test.

Question 7

bone scan normal except tracer uptake hot spots in both big toes. no pain here, labs neg for osteo + ra. don't exercise, what else could explain this?

Accepted Answer

Early gout?: Early gout, among others, may affect preferentially the big toes.

Question 8

what happens if my cervical spine fusion does not fuse?

Accepted Answer

Cervical fusion: If a cervical spine fusion does not heal/fuse this is called a pseudoarthrosis.  A cervical pseudoarthrosis can often be stable and not painful and does not always need treatment.  If it is a painful pseudoarthrosis then an additional surgery can be done to make the level fuse.  This usually involves a posterior fusion (placing screws and fusing from the back of the neck in addition to the front).

Question 9

what can i do to treat cervical spine uncinate spurring?

Accepted Answer

Depends on your: Level of symptoms. Generally, simple stretching and range of motion exercises especially in a hot shower can help. Isometric exercises as well as postural adjustments can be beneficial   otc meds can help if no contraindications to their use.  Smoking cessation is important.

Question 10

how fast can the cervical spine collapse if osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Not fast: Although the spine can suffer vertebral fractures from osteoporosis, cervical spine fragility fractures are very uncommon.  You are more likely to suffer fractures of the lower thoracic or upper lumber spine.

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Doctor answers about:

Increased tracer uptake in the cervical spine

A member asked:

Increased tracer uptake in the cervical spine/ body scan. neck pain associated w/ torn labrum. copd diagnosis as well. is this worth a second look?

A member asked:

Hi could you please explain what "moderately intense increased tracer uptake at the l5-s1 level of the lumbar spine and l4-5 level and right hip joint?

A member asked:

What does it mean from a bone scan saying a normal pattern of slightly increased tracer uptake is noted in the articular areas and the sternum?

A member asked:

Cervical spine xray report says "diffuse increased density ofc1of indeterminate etiology but unchnged snce 2013" what might this mean, or indicate?

A member asked:

Does increase in tracer uptake means chances of cancer, or it is just a tumor formation site?

A member asked:

Q. 1 of 2. renogran, left kidney. parenchymal tracer uptake is reduced with negligible wash out. what does it mean?

A member asked:

Bone scan normal except tracer uptake hot spots in both big toes. no pain here, labs neg for osteo + ra. don't exercise, what else could explain this?

A member asked:

What happens if my cervical spine fusion does not fuse?

A member asked:

What can i do to treat cervical spine uncinate spurring?

A member asked:

How fast can the cervical spine collapse if osteoporosis?

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