[Bone scintigraphy as an aid in the early diagnosis of suspected fracture]

Bone scintigraphy with 99 m Tc-diphosphonate combined with a carefully taken history, clinical examination and appropriate roentgenography is very helpful in the diagnosis of fractures which are not revealed by roentgenography (fractures of cancellous bone, stress fractures). Definitive diagnosis can be made 3-4 days following the accident. Bone scintigraphy is particularly useful for the diagnosis and accurate localisation of small fractures. By facilitating early and accurate diagnosis allows timely and appropriate treatment. Follow up examinations with radionuclide imaging and quantification of uptake reveal process of healing.