A condition in which the nucleus pulposus of the disc pushes out against the annulus fibrosus causing it to bulge. These are often associated with normal aging of the discs, but may occasionally place pressure on nerves.
Letter: B
Bone Scan
A procedure in which a concentration of a radioactive substance that has an affinity for a specific tissue is injected into the blood stream to enhance the images of bone activity. This exam may be ordered when there is concern for a possible infection, recent fracture, or tumor. A few hours prior to the exam, a tracing substance will be injected into a vein in the arm. The patient will then go to the Nuclear Medicine Department where he/she will lie flat on a table. A scanner will move slowly over their body taking pictures. The exam takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete and subjects the patient to very little radiation.