Utility of Planar Bone Scintigraphy To Distinguish Benign Osteochondromas from Malignant Chondrosarcomas

Abstract

Purpose  

The current study was designed to evaluate the role of planar bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of sarcomatous change in osteochondromas (cartilaginous exostoses).

Materials and Methods  

Histologically verified cases of chondrosarcoma and osteochondroma, in which Tc-99m bone scintigraphy was performed, were reviewed in a retrospective study.

Results  

Twenty-two cases were evaluated. Of 11 cases with chondrosarcomas, 8 (73%) had clearly increased tracer uptake, whereas the remaining cases had normal or decreased tracer uptake. Of the 11 cases with osteochondromas, 8 (73%) had clearly increased tracer uptake, whereas the remaining cases had normal or decreased tracer uptake. No significant difference in the distribution of scintigraphic results was noted between the two pathoanatomic groups (p = 1).

Conclusion  

In conclusion, single standing planar bone scintigraphy has no value in distinguishing benign osteochondromas from malignant chondrosarcomas.