Whole-Body Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan for Prosthetic Joint Loosening Evaluation
This nuclear medicine bone scan uses a small dose of radioactive tracer that preferentially accumulates in areas of active bone remodeling, making it highly sensitive for detecting abnormal bone activity around implanted prosthetic joints that may signal loosening, periprosthetic infection, or small associated fractures. The scan captures radiotracer uptake across every bone, joint, ligament, tendon, and adjacent cartilage in the full musculoskeletal system, allowing care teams to distinguish between expected post-surgical bone healing changes and pathologic prosthetic loosening without immediate invasive testing. The procedure delivers a minimal radiation dose lower than that of standard diagnostic CT scans, uses no contrast agents, and takes only 10 minutes to complete with no enclosed scanning equipment to trigger claustrophobia.
This minimal-radiation whole-body nuclear medicine bone scan identifies abnormal periprosthetic bone remodeling activity to diagnose prosthetic joint loosening, associated infection, or small fractures without requiring immediate invasive diagnostic procedures.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- nuclear
- Body part
- whole-body
- Ionizing radiation
- true
- Radiation dose
- 6
- Duration (min)
- 10
- Pregnancy safe
- false
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- none
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- LOINC
- 24725-4
- SNOMED
- 241439007
- Result turnaround
- 24-48h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- moderate
Understanding Nuclear Scan of bones
Nuclear Medicine 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 nuclear medicine scan evaluates whole-body, specifically bones. Uses controlled radiation.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of bones. 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