Anatomic and position-induced increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the cervical spine on bone imaging

The finding of increased radiopharmaceutical (RP) in the cervical spine was noted in a patient when placed in the full forward flexion position. When imaged in the neutral position, this finding was not noted. A series of 10 consecutive patients demonstrated this finding. The positioning of the cervical spine erroneously manifested increased RP uptake, which may mimic disease and should be taken into account when positioning the cervical spine for routine imaging.