Scintigraphy in the diagnosis of osteonecrosis
D'Ambrosia, R.D.; Shoji, H.; Riggins, R.S.; Stadalnik, R.C.; DeNardo, G.L.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 130: 139-143
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 639385 Document Number: 136390
Scintigraphy, using 99mTc diphosphonate, has the potential for diagnosing osteonecrosis before irreversible changes are visible in routine roentgenograms. If obtained within weeks of an avascular insult, a cold area will appear on scintiscan. However, months later, the revascularization and reparative processes of the dead bone produce a hot area on scintiscan.