Bone scan imaging agents are phosphate analogs. They localize to bone in proportion to osteoblastic activity at sites of bony remodeling and, to a lesser degree, also in areas of increased blood flow due to elevated delivery of the radiotracer.

The clinical history of acute onset of left hip pain during a track and field competition is suggestive of a hip or pelvic avulsion injury. The normal pelvis x-ray excludes a displaced fracture or unsuspected bony lesion. The abnormal radiotracer uptake on subsequent bone scan, localizing to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), is most consistent with a non-displaced ASIS avulsion injury.