The role of positron emission tomography in skeletal disease

The role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the evaluation and management of skeletal disorders is increasing. A number of reports are available in both benign and malignant disease with a variety of tracers. The bone agent F-18-fluoride can be used to evaluate bone metastases both qualitatively and, for a number of focal and systemic skeletal disorders, quantitatively. 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose is used as a tumor agent in both primary and metastatic bone and bone marrow malignancies; its use has also been described in the evaluation of infection within the skeleton. A possible role for the use of the hypoxia selective tracer F-18-fluoromisonidazole in skeletal infection also exists. This article summarizes the current role of PET in the skeleton with regard to these tracers and diseases. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.