Nuclear Imaging in Orthopaedic Practice: A Critical Analysis Review

» Nuclear imaging techniques, including bone scintigraphy, labeled leukocyte scintigraphy, positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with computed tomography (CT), have wide applications in orthopaedics for evaluating trauma, painful total joint arthroplasty, musculoskeletal infection, and orthopaedic oncology.» Three-phase bone scintigraphy is a first-line, highly sensitive nuclear medicine study for evaluating orthopaedic pathology when initial studies are inconclusive. However, its specificity is limited, and findings may be falsely positive for up to 2 years after total joint arthroplasty because of physiologic bone remodeling.» Labeled leukocyte scintigraphy or gallium scintigraphy can improve diagnostic accuracy in patients with a positive bone scan and suspected musculoskeletal or periprosthetic joint infection.» 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing bone neoplasms, infections, and metabolic disorders. Emerging PET/magnetic resonance imaging technology offers reduced radiation exposure and greater soft-tissue detail but presents technical and cost challenges.» SPECT/CT provides valuable functional and anatomic detail for characterizing the extent and location of bone pathology, serving as an important adjunct to other imaging modalities.» Ultimately, the choice of nuclear imaging modality should consider the specific clinical context, diagnostic accuracy, impact on management, and cost-effectiveness on a case-by-case basis.