ENHANCED BONE METABOLISM INDUCED BY ACUPUNCTURE

A 29-yr-old man with several years of back pain was referred for a bon e scan. High-resolution regional spot images of the skeleton were obta ined following intravenous injection of 20 mCi Tc-99m-methylene diphos phonate. Posterior and lateral images of the skull showed focal increa sed uptake in several regions of the skull. Upon questioning, the pati ent stated that he had received acupuncture treatment for his back pai n several times in the same regions as the increased uptake. The needl e placement was confirmed by the patient's acupuncturist. Acupuncture can cause enhanced bone metabolism demonstrated by increased activity on bone scans.