Which imaging technique involves using a radioactive tracer to visualize bones?

The imaging technique that involves using a radioactive tracer to visualize bones is a bone scan. This method is particularly effective in detecting abnormalities in the skeletal system, such as fractures, infections, or tumors, that may not be visible through conventional X-rays.

During a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein. This tracer is attracted to areas of high bone activity, which might indicate underlying conditions like inflammation or malignancy. The images produced from this scan show the distribution of the tracer throughout the bones and help healthcare professionals to assess bone health more comprehensively.

Other imaging techniques, such as X-rays, ultrasonography, and arthroscopy, have distinct applications. X-rays provide a two-dimensional view of bone structures but lack the sensitivity for early detection of certain conditions. Ultrasonography utilizes sound waves to visualize soft tissues and is not typically used for bone imaging. Arthroscopy involves a direct examination of the interior of a joint through a small camera and is a more invasive procedure, primarily used for diagnosing and treating joint issues rather than imaging the bones themselves.