Bone scintigraphy in clinical routine

Since 1961 bone turnover has been examined using various radio-labeled substances. In 1971 bone scintigraphy was performed the first time using modern 99mTc-labeled polyphosphonates, e.g. 99mTc-hydroxyethylenephosphonate(HDP) or 99mTc-methoxyethylenephosphonate (MDP). After intravenous injection, these radiopharmaceuticals are adsorbed at the bone surface within some hours. The amount of adsorption depends both on the perfusion of the bones and the intensity of bone metabolism. Moreover, boneseeking radiopharmaceuticals are excreted by the kidneys, and the kidneys and bladder can be seen routinely on a bone scan. Thus, total bone uptake depends not only on the perfusion and metabolic turnover, but also on renal function. In regions with a high bone metabolism, e.g. epiphyseal plates of children or mechanically stressed regions, e.g. ileosacral Radiol Oncol 2001; 35(1):21-30.