Achievements in nuclear medicine to date allow conducting such radiation studies that provide three-dimensional visualization of the organs of interest. Scintigraphy of the bones of the skeleton is also based on a similar technique and helps diagnose various diseases of the musculoskeletal system at the earliest stage.
How and for what is the scintigraphy of the bones of the skeleton?
In order to obtain the required image, a solution is administered intravenously to a person with a radiopharmaceutical or a radio indicator. This substance consists of a vector molecule and an isotope (marker). Getting into the body, it is absorbed by the bone tissue, and the radioactive label begins to emit gamma rays, which are recorded by a special camera.
The concentration of the injected solution is such that the signals emitted by it are easily captured by the equipment, but are completely harmless to the human body.
This technology is often used to accurately diagnose fractures , especially if they are complex, closed or damaged large bone with a high probability of having fragments. Usually these are parts of the hip joint and fatigue fractures that are not well visualized on X-rays.
Also, scintigraphy is used in such situations:
- Possible damage to bone tissue due to the prolonged course of Paget's disease and infection.
- Unexplained intense pain syndrome. Especially research is actual, if necessary, to identify the causes of discomfort in complex bone structures, such as the spine, lower limb. It should be noted that all subsequent analyzes are carried out by means of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.
- Diagnosis of bone cancer and growth of metastases in adjoining organs (prostate and thyroid, lungs, thorax, kidneys).
Often, scintigraphy is prescribed after the treatment of cancer, even with a successful outcome. The fact is that not completely removed tumor can very slowly and gradually grow, and its cells - actively penetrate into bone tissue. Therefore, with a penchant for cancerous diseases, only the described method is used as the most accurate and informative tool for research. The technology allows to do without biopsy and other painful ways to establish a diagnosis.
Preparation for scintigraphy of bones of the skeleton
Before researching a woman, it is important to make sure that she is not pregnant. In addition, the doctor should be informed if during the last 4 days an analysis or medication was taken, using drugs that contain bismuth, barium.
Approximately 4 hours before scintigraphy is advised to refrain from consuming a significant amount of fluid, and immediately before the procedure it is important to empty the bladder.
How do scintigraphy of bones of the skeleton?
For 1-5 hours (depending on the vastness of the study area), a solution with a radioactive substance is introduced. The patient should use this time for rest, so that the body is at rest and the solution is distributed in the bone tissue. After this, the person is put in a special chamber in which the radiating equipment is installed. During scintigraphy, a 3D model of the bones of the skeleton is displayed on the computer monitor.
Once the procedure is completed, the patient can go home, but for the next 3 hours it is recommended to drink about 2.5 liters of liquid. As a rule, the results of scintigraphy of the bones of the skeleton are ready for the next day.