Name of the Procedure:

Bone and/or Joint Imaging; multiple areas

• Common names: Bone Scan, Joint Imaging, Bone and Joint Radiography
• Technical/medical terms: Skeletal scintigraphy, Multisite bone imaging, Multi-joint X-ray

Summary

Bone and joint imaging involves taking pictures of multiple bones or joints in your body. It helps doctors see inside your bones and joints to diagnose issues.

Purpose

Bone and joint imaging is used to identify various conditions affecting the bones and joints such as fractures, arthritis, infections, tumors, or other abnormalities. The main goals are to detect issues early and monitor the progress of treatment for bone and joint diseases.

Indications

• Persistent pain in bones or joints
• Swelling or redness around a joint
• Unexplained bone fractures
• Suspected tumors or bone cancer
• Monitoring the progression of arthritis or similar joint conditions

Preparation

• You may be asked to wear a hospital gown and remove any metal objects or jewelry before the procedure.
• Sometimes fasting may be required, depending on the type of imaging.
• Inform your doctor of any medications you're taking or if you have any known allergies, especially to contrast materials used in imaging.

Procedure Description

1. You will lie or sit in a specific position on an imaging table.
2. Depending on the type of imaging, a contrast agent may be injected.
3. The technician will use one or more types of imaging technology (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or nuclear medicine).
4. For X-rays and CT scans, you must stay very still to get clear pictures.
5. For MRI, you may hear loud noises, and earplugs or headphones can be provided.
6. The technician will guide you through changes in position to capture images of different areas.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas being imaged.

Setting

Bone and joint imaging is usually performed in a hospital radiology department, outpatient imaging center, or specialized diagnostic clinic.

Personnel

• Radiologist
• Radiologic technologist
• Sometimes a nurse will assist if sedation or contrast media are used

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to low levels of radiation (in X-rays and CT scans)
• Allergic reaction to contrast materials (rare)
• Discomfort from lying still for extended periods during the procedure

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of bone and joint issues
• Non-invasive and generally painless
• Helps plan effective treatment with minimal risk
• Quick return to normal activity levels

Recovery

• No significant recovery time is usually required.
• You may be asked to drink plenty of fluids if contrast material was used to help flush it out of your system.
• Results are generally available in a few days, and a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to discuss them.

Alternatives

• Ultrasound imaging (used for certain joint issues but less detailed for bones)
• Blood tests and physical exams (used in conjunction but not as definitive)
• Invasive diagnostic procedures like biopsies (used if imaging results are inconclusive)

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: You may need to remain still, which can be uncomfortable. MRIs can be noisy but ear protection is provided.
• After the procedure: Generally, you can resume normal activities immediately. Some patients might feel mild discomfort or stiffness, which typically resolves quickly. For any pain associated with contrast injections, over-the-counter pain relief can be used.