Update on Pediatric Bone Scintigraphy

Abstract

Radionuclide bone scintigraphy is very helpful to the clinician in detecting and diagnosing many bone and soft tissue abnormalities in the pediatric population. Bone scintigraphy is more sensitive than routine radiographs for subtle changes in bone metabolism. The radiation burden is quite acceptable. Many institutions are hesitant to image children due to lack of experience and knowledge. Although the radiopharmaceuticals and the equipment are essentially the same for adult and pediatric nuclear medicine, children need special attention to certain details and modifications of procedures. Children are not adults, and they have varying diseases and anatomy at different ages.