Evaluation of joints in the lower limbs in adults and children using bone SPECT: Technical aspects and results

Optimization procedures for and results of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) bone scintigraphy scans of the lower limbs are discussed. A group of patients was selected comprising 12 adults with chronic knee pain and 11 children with disorders which might affect growth cartilage. For the latter, it was proposed to evaluate the global and localized activity of the physics using SPECT with post-processing in three dimensions. These results are important in that they may directly influence the decision whether or not to proceed with orthopedic treatment or surgery, the aim being to prevent or predict dysmetrias and secondary deformities caused by various pathologies. (author). 3 refs, 3 figs, 3 tabs