What is the primary purpose of a bone scan?

The primary purpose of a bone scan is to detect abnormalities in bone metabolism. This diagnostic imaging technique uses radioactive materials to trace bone activity and highlight areas where bone metabolism is abnormal, which can indicate various conditions such as infections, tumors, or fractures that may not be visible on standard X-rays. Bone scans are particularly useful in identifying areas of increased or decreased metabolic activity, allowing for detection of diseases that manifest with changes in the bone, such as osteoporosis or metastatic cancer. By focusing specifically on bone metabolism, this test provides valuable insights into the health of the skeleton and guides further diagnostic evaluation or treatment plans.