Skeletal survey

Skeletal survey is a series of X-ray images of the entire skeleton or the necessary parts thereof. It is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases such as cancer, infection, trauma, and metabolic disorders.

Indications

A skeletal survey is indicated in a number of conditions including:

• Suspected child abuse
• Multiple myeloma
• Langerhans cell histiocytosis
• Osteogenesis imperfecta
• Metastatic cancer
• Paget's disease
• Fibrous dysplasia
• Osteoporosis
• Rickets
• Scurvy

Procedure

The procedure involves taking X-ray images of all the major skeletal areas including the skull, spine, chest, pelvis, long bones, hands, and feet. The patient is positioned in a way that allows clear images of the required areas. The procedure is painless and non-invasive but involves exposure to a small amount of radiation.

Risks

The main risk associated with a skeletal survey is the exposure to radiation. However, the amount of radiation is small and the benefits of the procedure usually outweigh the risks.

See also

• Bone scan
• Computed tomography
• Magnetic resonance imaging