Bone scan can detect bone disease or stress fractures with minimal bone loss. What is the approximate percentage range?

• A. 1-2%
• B. 4-7%
• C. 10-12%
• D. 20-25%

Answer: (B)

The test is about how early bone imaging can pick up pathology before structural loss is evident. A bone scan uses a radiotracer that concentrates in areas with increased blood flow and bone remodeling, which happen early in disease or injury. Because this metabolic activity can rise with only a small amount of actual bone loss, bone scans can detect problems when bone loss is minimal. The typical detectable threshold is about four to seven percent, which explains why bone scans are so useful for stress fractures and early bone disease. The other ranges imply more substantial bone loss, which isn’t necessary for detection with this modality.