Neurosurgery
Discover how Main Line Health neurosurgeons provide expert care, from routine to complex spinal and nervous system conditions for patients.
Bone Scans
What is a bone scan?
A bone scan, also known as skeletal scintigraphy, is a nuclear imaging test commonly used to determine whether cancer has spread to the bones from another area of the body (metastasized). The test can also be used to locate bone disease, infection, or injury, or to determine the source of unexplained pain. Bone scans can pick up abnormalities that don't show up on an X-ray.
A bone scan is not to be confused with a bone density scan (DEXA), which is a test to determine bone mineral density and diagnose osteoporosis.
How a bone scan works
A bone scan involves an injection of "tracers," which are very small amounts of radioactive material. As the tracer travels through your vein to the bones and organs, it collects in areas where there is injury, disease or disorder. As the tracer wears off, it emits radiation (less than one-half the amount of a CT scan). These "hot spots" are highlighted when an image is taken. This allows the radiologist to easily identify where the problem areas are.
While the initial injection may be uncomfortable, the bone scan itself is a painless procedure. The scan takes place with you lying on a table while the camera scans your body or parts of your body. The radiologist may wish to take some images immediately after the injection, and then again several hours later. If the radiologist requires closer examination of the bones, additional imaging may be needed with single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). During a SPECT scan the camera rotates around your body, capturing bone images at different angles.
After the radiologist has reviewed the results and shared them with your doctor, additional testing may be indicated. Your doctor will go over your results with you and determine next steps.
Gender Care Program
We offer streamlined access to a team of medical, surgical, behavioral health and support specialists, in partnership with Main Line Health LGBTQ Inclusive Care for gender-affirming care.
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The board-certified experts at Main Line Health can help develop treatments to control and manage your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Trauma and Acute Care
Main Line Health provides life-saving care and urgent support at trauma centers located throughout the Philadelphia region.
Oral Care
Main Line Health dentists and oral surgeons can help you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime by visiting one of our locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
Palliative Care
Palliative care at Main Line Health is a service offered to seriously ill hospitalized patients. At the request of the patient's physician, the palliative care team recommends pain and symptom management.
Pediatrics
Learn how Main Line Health pediatricians collaborate with CHOP subspecialty doctors to provide the utmost optimal care for children.
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic doctors at Main Line Health treat simple to complex sports and accident-related injuries as well as the painful effects of many conditions that limit your mobility and cause pain. Find an orthopaedic surgeon near me.