http://www.buddytv.com/articles/bones/bones-season-7-news-extra-epis-43389.aspx

When FOX president Kevin Reilly spoke to reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour this Sunday, he devoted some very positive time to Bones. Reilly confirmed that the current Bones season 7 order stands at 17 episodes. However, since the reduced order was only due to star Emily Deschanel's maternity leave, that number is subject to change.

What could that mean? One possibility is, in fact, a full season. "We ordered as many [episodes] as they could produce with Emily," explained Kevin Reilly. "If they can produce 22 when she comes back, that's what they'll make." Reilly then confirmed that 22 episodes was a distinct possibility.