{"id":660,"date":"2026-02-15T23:24:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T23:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/talklameness.org\/resources\/imaging-explained-what-is-scintigraphy\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T09:22:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T09:22:55","slug":"imaging-explained-what-is-scintigraphy","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/talklameness.org\/us\/resources\/imaging-explained-what-is-scintigraphy\/","title":{"rendered":"Imaging explained: what is scintigraphy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Imaging Explained explores the different modalities available to help with lameness diagnosis, and what you can expect from each. Let’s take a look at scintigraphy or ‘bone scan.’ <\/p>\n\n

What is scintigraphy?<\/h2>\n\n

Nuclear Scintigraphy, or a \u2018bone scan\u2019, is a technique that assesses physiological processes rather than the anatomy of the organs detecting areas of increased bone remodelling or inflammation (“hot spots”). It is primarily used for investigating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly bone pathology, using an injected radiopharmaceutical which accumulate in areas of bone turnover and increased blood flow (\u201chot spots\u201d). This modality is sensitive, useful for locating issues like early stress fractures and enthesopathies. However, as it assesses physiological activity rather than anatomical detail, it should not be used in isolation and must be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other imaging techniques. It is also non-portable and requires hospitalisation until radiation levels drop. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Lateral
Lateral scintigraphy images with bilateral uptake in the subchondral bone of the tarsometatarsal joint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Lateral
Lateral scintigraphy images showing the mild uptake in the left third metatarsal bone<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Your horse will receive a radiopharmaceutical, consisting of a radioactive tracer combined with a pharmaceutical that targets bone, that travels in the bloodstream and accumulates in areas of increased bone turnover or blood flow. The radioactive tracer emits energy that is detected by a gamma camera, highlighting \u201chot spots\u201d and helping to localise areas of concern, particularly in regions such as the back or pelvis or when multiple limbs are involved. As this technique assesses physiological activity rather than detailed anatomy, findings are interpreted alongside clinical examination and often followed by targeted X-rays, ultrasound or advanced imaging. <\/p>\n\n

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When might scintigraphy be used?<\/h2>\n\n