Today our topic of discussion is Benefits and Risk of Bone Biopsy.

Benefits and Risk of Bone Biopsy

Benefits

Needle biopsy is a reliable method of obtaining tissue samples that can help diagnose whether a lesion is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant
A closed needle biopsy is less invasive than surgical biopsy and can be performed using local anesthesia and moderate (conscious) sedation, while the surgical biopsy involves a larger incision in the skin and usually requires general anesthesia.
Generally, the procedure is not painful and the results are as accurate as when a bone sample is removed surgically. Recovery time is brief.
Bruising and discomfort at the biopsy site. Bone fracture. Prolonged bleeding from the biopsy site. Infection near the biopsy site or in the bone.

Risks

Any procedure where the skin is penetrated carries a risk of infection. The chance of infection requiring antibiotic treatment appears to be less than one in 1,000
Complications following a bone biopsy are rare. However, there is a small chance the biopsy needle may break the bone or injure a nerve, blood vessel or organ nearby. There is a very small chance that the bone may become infected or weak and not heal properly.

Limitations: A bone biopsy may not be able to be performed on patients who:

Are unable to lie still during the procedure
Have a condition affecting the immune system, which increases the chances of an infection at the biopsy site
Take aspirin or blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, which may increase chances for bleeding at the biopsy site.