A bone scan is a nuclear medicine study used to look for areas of unusual bone activity.
Doctors may request a bone scan for ongoing bone pain, unexplained pain in the spine or foot, concern about hidden fractures, possible bone infection, or to check whether cancer has spread to bone.
It helps when the question is about bone activity rather than just bone shape, especially if pain is persistent but a regular X-ray is unclear or when cancer spread is being assessed.
It may help detect spread of cancer, infection, fractures, loosening around joint prostheses, or other bone problems.
Its findings often guide whether more focused imaging, biopsy, cancer treatment, or orthopedic care is needed.
This entry explains the procedure. Before you go, read the longer prep guide or find a centre that performs it.
