Diagnostic scanning of the body in search of bone related pathology like bone pain, bone infection, cancer spread in the bone or even stress fracture is a very important step in treatment and management of bone related problems. Nuclear medicine imaging is one among the diagnostic tools applying radioactive technology and principles in detection of infections or fractures in bones.
This method of scanning is very effective for it not only shows the structure of an organ but also the functioning of a specific organ as well. The capability of this method to give information o the functioning of a particular body organ enables the early detection of infections and medical conditions and hence subsequent treatment.
This technology involves production of images using radioactivity technology. A radioactive tracer material is administered detecting radiations which are hence recorded on a film or in some cases a computer. The tracers are administered as an injection through the veins or in some cases trough the mouth. These images are expertly interpreted by an imaging physician who search abnormalities or diseases and hence make a diagnosis.
This method is a very safe way of diagnosing infections since the tracers administered have no side effects to the body. The amount of radiation passed trough the body is usually low reducing the chances of affecting cells by the radiation beams.
The most advantageous feature of this technology is the capability of diagnosing the functioning of an organ as compared to other radioactive method which shows the anatomy of the organ only. This helps the physicians in effectively handling the infection and even plan for future treatments on the affected organ. It also helps in visualization of infections and conditions which other rays are not capable of detecting.
Nuclear medicine imaging is a very effective and worthy method of medical conditions diagnosis; that can be used in early detection, treatment and even prevention of these conditions.