Name of the Procedure:

Technetium Tc-99m Medronate Scan (Tc-99m MDP Scan), Bone Scan

Summary

A Technetium Tc-99m medronate scan is a diagnostic imaging test that helps identify abnormalities in the bones. This procedure involves using a small amount of radioactive material to produce images of the bones, often used to detect infections, fractures, or cancerous growths.

Purpose

This bone scan is primarily used to:

• Identify infections in the bones or joints.
• Detect fractures that may not be visible on standard X-rays.
• Diagnose bone cancer or metastasis from other cancers.
• Monitor conditions such as osteomyelitis or Paget's disease.

Indications

• Persistent bone pain or tenderness.
• Unexplained swelling or inflammation around bones or joints.
• History of cancer with possible bone involvement.
• Symptoms suggesting bone infections or unexplained fractures.

Preparation

• The patient should stay hydrated; drinking plenty of water before the procedure is recommended.
• Medications may generally be continued, but specific instructions from the healthcare provider should be followed.
• Removal of any jewelry or metal objects to avoid interference with imaging.

Procedure Description

1. Radioactive tracer Tc-99m medronate is injected into a vein, typically in the arm.
2. The patient waits for 2-4 hours to allow the tracer to circulate and accumulate in the bones.
3. The patient lies still on a scanning table while a gamma camera takes detailed images of the bones.
4. The camera detects the radiation emitted by the tracer, creating images on a computer screen.

Duration

The entire process, from injection to final imaging, typically takes about 4 to 6 hours. Actual imaging time is about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital's nuclear medicine department or in a specialized outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Nuclear Medicine Technician
• Radiologist

Risks and Complications

• Minimal exposure to radiation, considered safe for most patients.
• Rare allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer.
• Slight discomfort or bruising at the injection site.

Benefits

• Provides detailed images that can help diagnose a variety of bone conditions.
• Helps detect bone abnormalities early, leading to better treatment outcomes.
• Non-invasive with minimal discomfort.

Recovery

• Resume normal activities immediately after the scan.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from the body.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to discuss the results with a healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• X-rays: Good for detecting fractures but less sensitive for other bone conditions.
• MRI: Provides detailed images without radiation but may not be as effective for certain bone conditions.
• CT Scan: Offers detailed cross-sectional images but involves higher radiation exposure compared to a bone scan.

Patient Experience

• The injection may cause slight discomfort.
• Lying still during the imaging process can be a bit uncomfortable but is generally painless.
• Most patients do not experience side effects from the radioactive tracer.
• Radiologists will take steps to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure, including explaining each step and addressing any concerns.

Contact us to learn more