Bone scan patient guide

Overview

A bone scan is an imaging test that uses a very small amount of a radioactive substance (called a tracer) to check for problems in your bones. The tracer is injected into a vein and travels to your bones, where it collects in areas that are healing or growing. A special camera then takes pictures to show these areas.

Yes, bone scans are a common and safe imaging test used to evaluate many bone conditions.

People of any age may have a bone scan if they have unexplained bone pain, a suspected fracture, a bone infection, or to check if cancer has spread to the bones.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Unexplained pain in a bone or joint that does not go away
• Swelling or tenderness over a bone
• Fracture that does not heal as expected
• Signs of bone infection, such as fever and redness over a bone

Symptoms in children

• Limping or refusing to bear weight on a leg
• Persistent bone pain that keeps a child from playing or sleeping
• Swelling or warmth over a bone after an injury

Symptoms in older adults

• New or worsening pain in hips, spine, or ribs that is not explained by arthritis
• Unexplained falls or fractures after minor injury
• Pain that is worse at night or when resting

Causes

Main causes

• A bone scan is used to find areas of abnormal bone activity, which can be caused by fractures, infection (osteomyelitis), arthritis, or cancer that has spread to the bones.
• It can also detect bone tumors or other conditions that affect bone metabolism.

Risk factors

• Older age – bones heal slower and are more prone to fractures and certain conditions
• Previous cancer – especially breast, prostate, lung, or kidney cancer
• Long-term use of steroids – which can weaken bones
• Chronic conditions like diabetes or hyperparathyroidism
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use – both can affect bone healing

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe bone pain after a fall or injury
• If you cannot move a limb or put weight on it
• If you have a fever with bone pain or swelling

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have bone pain that lasts more than a few weeks without a clear cause
• If you have a condition like arthritis or osteoporosis and your doctor wants to check for new fractures
• If you are being treated for cancer and your doctor recommends monitoring your bones

Diagnosis

A bone scan is not a condition itself, but a tool to help diagnose bone problems. It is often done after a physical exam and X-rays suggest an issue.

Tests that may be done

• Physical exam to check for tenderness, swelling, or limited movement
• X-rays – which can show bone structure, but may miss early problems
• Bone scan – the main test described in this guide
• Sometimes additional imaging like MRI or CT scan for more detail

What to expect at your appointment

You will be given an injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm. Then you wait about 2-3 hours while the tracer moves to your bones. During the scan, you lie still on a table while a special camera takes pictures. The scan itself takes 30-60 minutes. It is painless. You can go home afterwards. Drink plenty of water to help remove the tracer.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the bone scan finds. It may reveal a fracture, infection, arthritis, or other condition. Your doctor will discuss the results and options with you.

Self-care at home

• If the scan shows a simple fracture, follow your doctor's advice on rest, ice, and elevating the area.
• Drink plenty of water after the scan to flush the tracer out of your body.
• Avoid close contact with pregnant women and babies for 24 hours after the scan (as a precaution).

Medical treatments

If the bone scan finds an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If it shows signs of cancer, further tests will be done to decide on treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. For arthritis, treatments may include pain relief, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications. Always follow your doctor's specific recommendations.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery might be needed if the scan shows a complicated fracture that does not heal on its own, a bone infection that needs cleaning out, or a suspected bone tumor that needs to be removed. Your doctor will explain if surgery is an option for you.

Living with this condition

If the bone scan finds a condition that needs treatment, you may have to adjust your daily activities. For example, a fracture may mean you need to rest or use crutches. An infection may require a hospital stay. Follow your healthcare team's advice on activity levels.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health (dairy, leafy greens, fortified foods).
• Do weight-bearing exercises like walking or light jogging, if approved by your doctor.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to keep bones strong.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D helps bones stay strong. Gentle exercise like walking or swimming can improve bone density and reduce pain. Always check with your doctor before starting new exercises, especially if you have a fracture or bone condition.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding out you have a bone problem can be stressful. It is normal to feel worried or anxious. Talk to your doctor or a counselor about your feelings. Many people find support groups helpful. Take care of your mental health just as you care for your bones.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for a bone scan – it is a diagnostic test. But you can take steps to keep your bones healthy: eat well, exercise, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol. Falls are a common cause of fractures, so make your home safe (remove loose rugs, good lighting).

Screening programmes

Routine bone density scans (DXA) are recommended for some older adults to screen for osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about bone health.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a bone infection (osteomyelitis) is not treated, it can spread and cause permanent bone damage.
• An untreated fracture may heal poorly or not at all, leading to chronic pain or deformity.
• If cancer in the bone goes undetected, it can cause pain, fractures, and affect your overall health.

Long-term outlook

Most bone problems found on a scan are treatable. Fractures heal with time and care. Infections can be cured with antibiotics. Even if the scan shows cancer, treatments today are much better than in the past. Your healthcare team will work with you to get the best possible outcome. Stay hopeful and follow your treatment plan.

Find support

International organisations

• International Osteoporosis Foundation
• Global Cancer Support (for bone metastases)

Local organisations

• Your local hospital's radiology department · Local
• National health service (e.g., NHS in the UK) for patient information · UK

Helplines

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