Question 1

what does "uptake" mean on a bone scan as in "mildly increased uptake involving the right c6-c7 facet joint?

Accepted Answer

Bone scan: Uptake means there is simply bone turnover or bone production and degradation in the form of cellular activity. Diagnosis includes fracture arthritis infection tumor anything that dynamically affects bone   A bone scan is not an absolute and MUST be correlated with a clinical question plain X-rays and a working differential diagnosis. You must speak to the ordering or treating physician !!!!

Question 2

what does strong uptake on a bone scan mean?

Accepted Answer

Increased activity: Strong uptake on bone scan means increased metabolic bone activity.  This could indicate inflammation, fracture, infection, and/or bone tumor.  These results usually are considered in the face of plain x-rays and exam to determine the diagnosis.  Sometimes mri/ct scan are also needed.

Question 3

what does radiopharmaceutical uptake from a bone scan mean in layman's terms?

Accepted Answer

Tracer uptake: Read the report. But it sounds like it means that there is increased bone metabolism at that location. The radiopharmaceutical maps calcium activity (osteoblastic) of the bone. Can have increased metabolism in response to mechanical stress, a fracture, cancer, infection, and miscellaneous reasons.

Question 4

i had a bone scan done recently  i'm trying to see what results mean the findings say homogenous uptake throughout skeleton seen what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Homogenous = normal: The term "homogenous" means something similar to consistent or equal. If there is homogenous uptake throughout the skeleton it means there are no abnormal areas of "high uptake" or "hot spots" such as bone cancers.
Therefore, homogenous uptake in the skeleton is considered normal. Still, have a discussion with the doctor who ordered the scan as they will have a better understanding of your case.

Question 5

bone scan "increased uptake bilateral si joints, left greater than right likely due to stresses" can this mean stress fractures??

Accepted Answer

This could B a--: -stress fx if of sudden onset,  if have had back pain 4 yrs you could have a spondylolysis @ that level. CT images are the best to see a defect as well as determining if stress or developmental.

Question 6

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 7

my bone scan says there is  mild generalized increased uptake in left ankle and mid foot and in 1st met. phalangeal areas. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Many possibilities: Bone scans show increased bone production activity.  Possible causes could be fracture, infection, charcot, and bone tumor.

Question 8

i have psa - bone scan report says there is an increased activity and uptake of the left si joint, both shoulders and tmj.  what does this mean for me?

Accepted Answer

Here are some...: What does "PSA" mean in this question? A blood test or a clinical syndrome? Please specify it so an answer to the point could be given. Bone scan showing hot spots at the joints usually suggests the presence of some inflammation - arthritis. For detailing, ask the attending doctor ordering bone scan, who should possess more pertinent info about you than anyone online.

Question 9

3 phase bone scan, what does it mean? "delayed images photopenic defect is seen of l knee medial compartment arthroplasty hardware. moderate to high grade uptake around tibial component."

Accepted Answer

: It is important to interprete in context of clinical evaluation, however the bone scan is used to measure inflammation because there is increased blood flow to area of inflammation and sometimes inflammation is due to infection. You should follow up with the medical provider so appropriate interpretation and management could be done.

Question 10

what does increased uptake around the area of the left acetbulum mean? have had two hip replacements, last one in 1999.  bone scan shows significant bone
lose and ct shows increased uptake around the area of the left acetabulum as well as the femoral comp

Accepted Answer

The : The acetabulum is the "cup."  increased uptake could be caused by loosening, infection or fracture.  Talk to your surgeon about it.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What does uptake mean on a bone scan

A member asked:

What does "uptake" mean on a bone scan as in "mildly increased uptake involving the right c6-c7 facet joint?

A member asked:

What does strong uptake on a bone scan mean?

A member asked:

What does radiopharmaceutical uptake from a bone scan mean in layman's terms?

A member asked:

I had a bone scan done recently i'm trying to see what results mean the findings say homogenous uptake throughout skeleton seen what does it mean?

A member asked:

Bone scan "increased uptake bilateral si joints, left greater than right likely due to stresses" can this mean stress fractures??

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:

My bone scan says there is mild generalized increased uptake in left ankle and mid foot and in 1st met. phalangeal areas. what does this mean?

A member asked:

I have psa - bone scan report says there is an increased activity and uptake of the left si joint, both shoulders and tmj. what does this mean for me?

A member asked:

3 phase bone scan, what does it mean? "delayed images photopenic defect is seen of l knee medial compartment arthroplasty hardware. moderate to high grade uptake around tibial component."

A member asked:

What does increased uptake around the area of the left acetbulum mean? have had two hip replacements, last one in 1999. bone scan shows significant bone lose and ct shows increased uptake around the area of the left acetabulum as well as the femoral comp

Sponsored Content

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?