Question
what does it mean if my bone scan says that there is normal distribution and soft tissue uptake of the radiotracer.  On the delayed images there is abnormal uptake at the right first metatarsophalangeal joint, left fifth metatarsophalangeal joint.  The remainder of the soft tissue and bone uptake is unremarkable.  What does all this mean?  I was sent there because I was telling the doctor about the pain I have in my lower legs, ankles, and feet.  He said the scan showed I have osteoarthritis, is that what that means?  and possible stress fractures, eventhough on the scan it said no evidence of stress fractures.

Answer
Hi timothy

The bone scan only shows one thing and that is inflammation.  Any type of inflammations will glow under bone scan.  This is a nonspecific test done to see where you have inflammation.  
Isaac Tabari DPM
www.footdocnyc.com


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