Skeletal scintigraphy in pediatric sports medicine.

OBJECTIVE: Athletes can have pain derived from fractures or alternate pathology. Skeletal scintigraphy may detect abnormalities before anatomic imaging and provides a practical tool for whole-body imaging. However, study interpretation in children can be challenging. This pictorial essay describes a technique for pediatric skeletal scintigraphy and reviews findings commonly encountered in athletes. CONCLUSION: Skeletal scintigraphy complements anatomic findings in pediatric athletes. Familiarity with imaging technique and study interpretation can improve diagnosis.