What does increased tracer activity mean on a bone scan?

Increased tracer activity on a bone scan typically indicates heightened metabolic activity in the bone tissue, which can suggest various conditions such as infections, inflammation, fractures, or metastatic disease. This uptick in activity often reflects an area where the bone is responding to injury or disease. However, increased tracer uptake is not specific and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and additional imaging studies for an accurate diagnosis.