Expert Advice   Print Version Q. How does a bone scan work? A. A bone scan can be used to locate a problem area in the spine. A radioactive chemical (sometimes called a tracer) is injected into the bloodstream. Pictures are taken of the skeleton using a special camera that can capture the radiation of the tracer. The image will show dark areas where the chemical tracer has attached to highly active bone. The dark spot is a "hot spot" where bone is changing rapidly, which can happen with problems of overuse, compression fractures, bone tumors, or osteoporosis. After locating a hot spot with the bone scan, your doctor can do other tests to clearly identify the problem area. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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