Radiologically Guided Bone Biopsy: Results of 502 Biopsies

Journal Article · Sun Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/S002709900227· OSTI ID:21080425

Ng, Chaan S ^[1]; Salisbury, Jonathan R ^[2]; Darby, Alan J ^[3]; Gishen, Philip ^[1]

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1. Department of Radiology, King's Healthcare, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS (United Kingdom)
2. Department of Histopathology, King's Healthcare, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London (United Kingdom)
3. Department of Pathology, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire (United Kingdom)

Purpose: To analyze the results of 502 biopsies over a 19-year period for the purpose of highlighting the results that can be expected from such a large study, with emphasis on needle choice and anesthetic methods. Methods: The histological, cytological, and microbiological results of 477 patients who had 502 bone biopsies carried out between July 1977 and March 1996 were studied. Less than 5% of patients required second biopsies. There were almost equal numbers of males and females in the group. The lesions were visible radiologically and most of the biopsies were carried out by a single operator. The lesions were classified on their histopathological, cytopathological, and microbiological findings. Results: Tumors accounted for 40% of the biopsies, and infection for 16%. Biopsies which did not yield a 'positive' diagnosis accounted for 31%; these included specimens reported as normal, or as showing reactive changes, repair, remodelling, non-specific features, inflammation (but not clearly infective), or no evidence of malignancy or inflammation. Less than 4% of biopsies were incorrect, and some of these were re-biopsied. Conclusion: Bone biopsy is a valuable technique for positive diagnosis of malignancy or infection, as it enables a definitive plan for treatment and management of patients to be established. Exclusion of serious pathology is almost equally important. In principle, any osseous site can be biopsied using fluoroscopic or computed tomographic guidance. Care in the biopsy technique and selection of the bone needle is required.

• OSTI ID: 21080425
• Journal Information: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Journal Name: Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 21; ISSN 0174-1551; ISSN CAIRDG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ANESTHETICS
BIOPSY
DIAGNOSIS
INFLAMMATION
NEOPLASMS
PATHOLOGY
PATIENTS
SKELETON