What is the definition or description of: bone scan?

Isotope uptake: A radioactive isotope is injected IV & early & late (hrs) images r taken that read the concentration of the isotope in the bone. It's higher in areas of more activity of bone formation. It will light up in fractures, growth plates, infection, tumors, stress fx among others.

Bone metabolism: Bone scan involves intravenous injection of radio tracer usually technetium 99m mdp which accumulates in skeleton. Scan may involve early phase(5-10 min) and late phase(2-3 hr) imaging. Increased uptake is seen in fractures, tumors, infection, etc. Decreased activity is seen in metal artifacts, aggressive tumor/infection, & loss of blood supply to bones. Bone scan very sensitive but not specific.