Bone scanning continues to be one of the most sensitive techniques for detecting bone pathology and often augments other modalities such as MRI in arriving at a definite diagnosis. Hybrid nuclear imaging (SPECT-CT) is increasingly recognised as a useful tool in the imaging of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the subspecialist fields of Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine. We have the most advanced SPECT-CT scanners in New Zealand and are able to offer this modality 5 days a week. Musculoskeletal SPECT-CT is also fully funded by ACC. Our images are also available to view online
Clinical uses of Bone Scintigraphy include:
- Detecting occult fractures, in particular
◦ Tibial stress fractures vs shin splints
◦ Scaphoid fractures
◦ Tarsal / metatarsal stress fractures
- Determining a cause for undiagnosed bone pain.
- Evaluation of back pain
◦ Pars fractures
◦ Determination of active facet arthropathy
◦ Determination of active disc related arthrosis
◦ Investigation of potential instability
◦ Evaluation of post operative fusion.
- Determination of active arthroapthy related to lumbosacral pseudoarthrosis.
- Detection of active entheseopathy, in particular
◦ Hamstring origins
◦ Quadriceps / Patellar tendon insertions
◦ Calcaneal
◦ Plantar
- Evaluation of joint prostheses – Hip, knee and shoulder
- Detection of systemic musculoskeletal disease eg metabolic and metastatic
- Evaluation of Paget’s disease (active vs inactive)
- Detection of early AVN
- Early detection of osteomyelitis (vs soft tissue cellulitis)