A skeletal survey is a series of X-rays of all the bones in the body, or at least the axial skeleton and the large cortical bones. A very common use is the diagnosis of multiple myeloma, where tumour deposits appear as "punched-out" lesions.

Radiology

The standard set of X-rays for a skeletal survey (Radiologic Skeletal Survey:RSS)includes X-rays of the Skull, Entire spine, Pelvis, Ribs, Both humeri and femora (proximal long bones). It has been found to be much more sensitive than MRI, Isotope scans to detect Multiple myeloma by several studies. The RSS was superior to the limited MR imaging survey for the detection of bone involvement in the patient population (87.5% v 79% of patients). (Ref Article: Skeletal survey in advanced multiple myeloma: radiographic versus MR imaging survey.Lecouvet FE, Malghem J, Michaux L, Maldague B, Ferrant A, Michaux JL, Vande Berg BC : Br J Haematol. 1999 Jul;106(1):35-9.)