Fractures and benign bone tumours

The sequence of histological changes which may be observed following fracture is well documented. There is a corresponding changing pattern of uptake of radioactive bone-seeking isotopes. This pattern is essentially similar for all radiopharmaceuticals which have been studied. The clearance of 18F from soft tissues is faster than that of the technetium labelled complexes. Apart from this there are no important differences between them. The bone scan has no place in the management of the majority of patients with uncomplicated fractures. It may however be of value when there is clinical or radiological doubt about the presence of a fracture, or its age. A comparison is presented of X-ray radiography and bone scanning surveying the diagnosing of all possible types of fracture and fracture complications as well as a number of skeletal diseases. (Auth.)