Whole-Body Bone and Musculoskeletal System Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
This radiation-based positron emission tomography scan uses targeted low-dose radioactive tracers to measure metabolic activity across your entire skeletal system, including every bone in your body, as well as associated musculoskeletal components such as joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage. It is frequently used to detect metastatic bone cancer, diagnose unexplained persistent bone pain, assess healing progress after orthopedic procedures or fractures, identify inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and pinpoint areas of abnormal soft tissue metabolic activity linked to muscle or tendon injury.
This low-dose radiation-based whole-body PET scan assesses metabolic activity across all bones and surrounding musculoskeletal structures to detect bone metastases, diagnose unexplained skeletal pain, and evaluate inflammatory joint or soft tissue conditions.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- pet
- Body part
- whole-body
- Ionizing radiation
- true
- Radiation dose
- 14
- Duration (min)
- 10
- Preparation
- fasting-6h
- Pregnancy safe
- false
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- low
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- Result turnaround
- 24-48h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- very_high
Understanding PET Scan of bones
Positron Emission Tomography provides detailed visualization of bones. The procedure uses controlled radiation to create precise images with excellent anatomical detail.
Clinical Indications
This imaging detects fractures and dislocations, evaluates joint arthropathy, assesses soft tissue injuries, and identifies bone lesions.
What to Expect
The procedure typically takes 10 minutes. The examination is painless and non-invasive.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by board-certified radiologist.
- Report transmitted to referring physician.
What Is This Procedure?
This pet scan evaluates whole-body, specifically bones. Uses controlled radiation.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of bones and skeleton. Part of the musculoskeletal system.
Why Is It Done?
Detect fractures, Evaluate joints, Assess soft tissue.
What to Expect
Procedure takes 10 minutes.
Severe pain at procedure site
urgentWorsening severe pain with fever or other symptoms. Go to urgent care or ER.
Mild symptoms after procedure
promptMild discomfort or symptoms that don't improve. Contact your doctor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy