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Bone Scintigraphy (Tc-99m MDP)

Nuclear medicine imaging that shows increased metabolic activity throughout the skeleton.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Bone Scintigraphy (Tc-99m MDP)?

Bone scintigraphy is a whole-body nuclear medicine examination that images the uptake of intravenously administered Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) in bone areas with increased osteoblastic activity.

It is used in screening for bone metastases (breast, prostate, lung cancer) and in the assessment of suspected stress fractures, osteomyelitis, Paget's disease, avascular necrosis and metabolic bone disease.

Three-phase bone scintigraphy (angiographic, blood-pool, delayed) provides additional information for differentiating infection from reflex sympathetic dystrophy. SPECT/CT hybrid imaging improves anatomical localisation.

Symptoms

Screening for bone metastases (prostate, breast, lung cancer)
Unexplained bone pain
Suspected stress fracture
Investigation of osteomyelitis
Prosthesis loosening or infection

Risk Factors

Low-dose radiation exposure
Pregnancy and lactation (contraindication)
Delayed radiopharmaceutical excretion in renal failure
False negatives (purely lytic lesions)
False positives (degenerative changes, fracture, infection)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When bone pain develops in a patient with cancer
  • For unexplained bone pain when conventional radiographs are normal
  • When prosthesis-related pain or loosening is suspected
  • In the work-up of metabolic bone disease

Treatment Methods

01
740–925 MBq Tc-99m MDP IV injection
02
Whole-body scan after a 2–4 hour wait
03
SPECT/CT of the target region if needed
04
Three-phase scintigraphy when infection is suspected
05
Correlation of findings with clinical and other imaging data

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.