J Nucl Med. 1995 Dec; 36(12): 2246-7.

Enhanced bone metabolism induced by acupuncture.

Kuno RC, Cerqueira MD.

Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA.

A 29-yr-old man with several years of back pain was referred for a bone scan. High-resolution regional spot images of the skeleton were obtained following intravenous injection of 20 mCi 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate. Posterior and lateral images of the skull showed focal increased uptake in several regions of the skull. Upon questioning, the patient stated that he had received acupuncture treatment for his back pain several times in the same regions as the increased uptake. The needle placement was confirmed by the patient's acupuncturist. Acupuncture can cause enhanced bone metabolism demonstrated by increased activity on bone scans.