For which clinical indication would limited bone imaging ("spot" views) be most appropriate?

Limited bone imaging, or "spot" views, are particularly useful in the evaluation of specific areas of interest when more extensive scanning is not warranted. In the case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, spot views can focus on the jaw area and provide targeted imaging that can help identify local bone abnormalities, inflammation, or other pathologies associated with the joint.

Other clinical indications, such as ruling out skeletal metastases or evaluating Paget's disease, typically require comprehensive imaging of larger areas to detect subtle lesions or changes in bone density that are more widespread. For instance, skeletal metastases can diffuse throughout the bone, making a broader scan more effective for detection. Similarly, Paget’s disease tends to affect multiple bones, requiring a more extensive view to assess for the characteristic changes associated with the disease. In the context of kidney stones, which are more accurately evaluated through imaging modalities like ultrasound or CT rather than bone scans, spot views would not be applicable.

Therefore, the focused nature of limited bone imaging makes it particularly well-suited for pinpointing issues in localized areas, such as the temporomandibular joint, while less effective for conditions that involve broader patterns of disease.