DIAGNOSTIC SPINAL TESTS

Bone scan

 GENERAL INFORMATION

             Problems in the neck or back  can develop following injury to the spine or as a result of aging, disc degeneration and arthritis.  Herniation of a disc or bone spurs can compress the spinal nerves in the neck or lower back and cause pain to radiate into your arms or legs. This may be associated with numbness or weakness. 

            Symptoms can often be improved simply by time, rest,  and common medications such as aspirin or Advil.   Exercises often under the supervision of a physical therapist may be started and hopefully allow you to return to full activity.    If however routine treatments are unsuccessful and your symptoms are intolerable your doctor may recommend further testing to obtain a clear picture of what is causing the pain and to assist in planning further treatment.

              Routine X-Rays studies are able to produce pictures of the bones of the spine and are often the first test  obtained.  They may be helpful but are limited because they are not  able to show the discs or spinal nerves.  If  more detailed information about the bones in a specific region is required a CT scan may be suggested.  Sometimes it is important to visualize all of the bones in your body.  If this is required a bone scan is indicated.  The special test most commonly used to image the nerves of the the spine is a MRI scan.  Often this is all that is required to understand the problem and plan treatment. Sometimes in more complex problems such as spinal stenosis and especially in people who have undergone previous surgery a myelogram combined with a CT scan is needed.  A discogram is a test sometimes used in patients with long standing back or neck pain to  confirm the site of the pain and plan surgery.  

BONE SCAN

             A bone scan is a test which uses a trace amount of a radioactive compound to study your skeletal system.  The compound is injected into a vein and it is then taken up and concentrated in your bones.  Small amounts of gamma rays are given off by the compound which can be recorded by a special camera and used to produce pictures of your entire skeletal system.  The test is very sensitive and can often identify problems before they show up on regular X-Ray studies.  Bone scans are very safe and have virtually no risks or side effects.  The amount of radiation administered is similar to that used when regular spine X-Rays are taken.

            No advance preparation in necessary.  When you arrive in the Radiology department you will be given an injection of the radioactive medicine used for your scan.  Pictures cannot be taken immediately  because it takes several hours for your bones to absorb the material.  You will be asked to return  in several hours.  You may leave the hospital while waiting.  When you return you are placed on a flat table and asked to lie very still while the camera takes pictures of your skeleton.  This takes 30 -60 minutes and there is no pain while the camera is working.  After reviewing the initial images, the radiologist may decide that additional images are necessary.

            After the scan you may resume your regular activities immediately.  Call your doctor’s office and arrange a follow-up appointment in several weeks.  Please remember to pick up the bone scan at the hospital and bring it with you to that appointment so your doctor can review it with you.

1/23 /05