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Three-Phase Bone Scan (Tc-99m MDP)

NM+ ContrastMSK
Indications
  • Osteomyelitis vs cellulitis
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS/RSD)
  • Painful joint prosthesis (loosening vs infection)
  • Occult fracture
  • Evaluation of focal bone/soft-tissue pain
Patient prep
  • No fasting required
  • Hydrate after injection and void before delayed imaging
  • Position region of interest under/over the camera before injection for flow phase
Contrast
AgentTc-99m MDP/HDP
RouteIV (bolus)
Dose20-25 mCi (740-925 MBq)
TimingFlow immediately at injection; blood pool 5-10 min; delayed 2-4 h; optional 4th phase 24 h
Technique
  • LEHR collimator, 140 keV, region centered over symptomatic area for dynamic flow
  • Phase 1 (flow): 1-3 sec/frame for 60 sec at injection
  • Phase 2 (blood pool): static images within 5-10 min
  • Phase 3 (delayed): static/SPECT at 2-4 h
Series / Sequences
#Series / SequencePlaneNotes
1Flow (angiographic) phaseDynamic1-3 sec/frame x 60 sec, bolus injection over ROI
2Blood pool (tissue) phaseStaticWithin 5-10 min, soft-tissue hyperemia
3Delayed bone phaseStatic/SPECT2-4 h, osteoblastic activity
4Fourth phase (optional)Static24 h delayed for osteomyelitis specificity
Key points
  • Osteomyelitis: focal increased uptake on all three phases; cellulitis: increased flow/blood pool without focal delayed bone uptake
  • Bolus injection quality is critical for the flow phase
  • Position the symptomatic area under the detector before injecting
References
• SNMMI Procedure Standard for Bone Scintigraphy 4.0 link
• Radiopaedia: Three-phase bone scan link
Source: Researched — verify against your institution
Reference template — verify and adapt to your scanner, vendor and institution before clinical use. Not a substitute for clinical judgment.