Summary The correlation of bone scanning, using Technetium polyphosphate, with radiological skeletal surveys has been examined in 61 patients. Fifty‐three patients had a malignant disease, and in these bone scanning was found to be no more sensitive in the detection of metastases than radiological skeletal surveys. In addition, there were 7 cases in which the scan failed to demonstrate metastatic neoplasm shown on x‐ray survey. Possible reasons for this discrepancy have been discussed. Several scans of other diseases involving bone have been included to highlight the need for interpreting bone scans in conjunction with an adequate radiological examination.