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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Assessment of Bone Fracture Healing Using Micro-Computed Tomography
Published on: December 9, 2022
Fractured osteophyte demonstrated on SPECT and computed tomography
Michael E Spieth1, Stacey L Schmitz
1Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine Section, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, USA. spieth.michael@marshfielddclinic.org
Abstract:
ABSTRACT We present an interesting case of a fractured osteophyte causing back pain that was demonstrated both on bone single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT). The magnetic resonance images, thoracic anterior spine plain radiograph, whole-body bone scan passes, and thoracic spot view were not impressive. Bone SPECT was the impetus for getting the CT scan. The CT scan not only demonstrated the osteophyte but a pseudarthrosis that was probably causing the pain. If it were not for the positive SPECT bone scan, the CT scan would not have been ordered after unimpressive magnetic resonance imaging.
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