[Usefulness of 99mTc-MDP scintigraphy for normal roentgen variants of bone]

Twenty cases of normal roentgen variants of bone in the plain film which simulated tumor, inflammatory change or fracture were studied. Plain roentgenography and 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy were investigated, and some of the patients had other examinations such as CT, MRI, angiography and biopsy. No abnormal radionuclide accumulation were detected in all regions, and they were finally diagnosed to be normal roentgen variants of bone. When the patient was suspected of having normal roentgen variants of bone, scintigraphy should be done first. 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy is very useful and less stress than other procedures to distinguish normal roentgen variant from disease.