Positron emission tomography (PET) produces particularly detailed three-dimensional images. The technology was first developed for humans in 1974 is most used to detect the presence and spread of cancer.
The sesamoid bone is of high interest for us because the majority of breakdowns that happen are due to fracture of this little bone at the back of the ankle, the sesamoid bone. . .” – Mathieu Spriet, DVM, MS, DACVR, DECVDI. DACVR-EDI
Source: Paulick Report, August 27, 2022. Link. PET scans help find “stress remodeling,” which represents abnormal bone trying to repair itself. This repairing process attracts increased blood flow to that area, which a PET scan can detect. Bone that is repairing is more fragile than established bone and less conducive to holding up to the high impact of racing or other equestrian sports.