Bone Biopsy
A bone biopsy is performed by making a small incision into the
skin. A biopsy needle retrieves a sample of bone and it is sent for examination. The most
common reasons for bone lesion biopsy are to distinguish between benign and malignant bone
tumors, and to identify other bone abnormalities. Bone biopsy may also be performed to
determine the cause of bone pain and tenderness.
Bone biopsy is the removal of a piece of bone for laboratory examination and analysis.
Why is a Bone Biopsy preformed?
Bone biopsy is used to distinguish between malignant tumors and benign bone disease
such as osteoporosis and osteomyelitis. This test may be ordered to determine why a
patient's bones ache or feel sore, or when a mass or deformity is found on an x ray, CT
scan, bone scan, or other diagnostic imaging procedure.
Before having Bone Biopsy
Tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications the patient is
taking, and about allergies or reactions the patient has had to anesthetics or pain
relievers. Special care must be taken with patients who have experienced bleeding
problems.
More informatation about BoneBiopsy
A bone biopsy involves using a special drill or other surgical instruments to remove
bone from the patient's body. The procedure usually lasts about 30 minutes and may be
performed in the hospital, a doctor's office, or a surgical center.
A drill biopsy is generally used to obtain a small specimen. After the skin covering
the bone has been cleansed with an antiseptic and shaved, the patient is given a local
anesthetic. The doctor will not begin the procedure until the anesthetic has numbed the
area from which the bone is to be removed, but the patient may feel pressure or mild pain
when the needle pierces the bone. The surgeon turns the needle in a half-circle to extract
a sample from the core, or innermost part, of the bone. The sample is drawn into the
hollow stem of the biopsy needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where it is
examined under a microscope.
An open biopsy is used when a larger specimen is needed. After the area covering the
bone has been cleansed with an antiseptic and shaved, the patient is given a general
anesthetic. After the anesthetic takes effect and the patient is unconscious, the surgeon
makes an incision and removes a bone specimen. The specimen is sent to the laboratory for
immediate analysis. Results of that analysis may indicate that additional surgery should
be performed right away.
Risks include bone fracture, injury to nearby tissue, and infection. Bleeding is a rare
complication. Factors that increase risk include:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition
- Chronic illness
- Some medications
- Mind-altering drugs.
Bone biopsy can reveal the presence of benign disease, infection, or malignant tumors
that have spread to the bone from other parts of the body.
Results of this test are considered reliable, but may be affected by:
Aftercare of Bone biopsy
Pain medication will be prescribed after a biopsy, and vital signs will be monitored
until they return to normal. Most patients can go home in about an hour. If bone was
removed from the spine, the patient may stay in the hospital overnight. The surgical site
must be kept clean and dry for 48 hours, and the patient's doctor should be notified if
any of these symptoms appear:
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain on movement
- Inflammation or pus near the biopsy site
- Bleeding through the bandage at the biopsy site.
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