Bone Biopsy

A bone biopsy is a procedure in which a small bone sample is removed from the outer layers of bone for examination, unlike a bone marrow biopsy, which involves the innermost part of the bone.

Bone Biopsy is a procedure in which bone samples are removed (with a special biopsy needle or during surgery) to find out if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. The technique of bone biopsy allows the histomorphometric analysis of the bone samples obtained from the iliac crest. Therefore, it can provide a direct assessment of regional bone metabolism. Hence, the reason why this method is considered the gold-standard technique for measuring bone remodelling.

Types of bone biopsy:

• Needle biopsy. After a local anesthetic is given, your healthcare provider makes a small cut (incision) in your skin. He or she inserts the special biopsy needle into your bone to get a sample.
• Open biopsy. After a general anesthetic is given, your healthcare provider makes a larger incision in your skin and surgically removes a piece of bone. Depending on the lab findings, you may need more surgery.

Other related procedures that may be used to help diagnose bone problems include CT scan, X-ray, MRI of the bones, and bone scan. Orthopedic Specialist at Shreya Hospital in Ghaziabad may suggest for Bone Biopsy, if the problem is not diagnosed by other diagnostic procedures.

Bone biopsies may be done to:

• Evaluate bone pain or tenderness
• Investigate an abnormality seen on X-ray
• Find out if a bone tumor is cancer (malignant) or not cancer (benign)
• Find the cause of an unexplained infection or inflammation

Procedure of bone biopsy

• You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
• An intravenous (IV) line may be started in your arm or hand.
• You will be positioned so that your healthcare provider can easily reach the bone that is to be sampled. A belt or strap may be used to hold you in the correct position.
• The skin over the biopsy site will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
• If a local anesthetic is used, you will feel a needle stick when the anesthetic is injected. This may cause a brief stinging sensation. If general anesthesia is used, you will be put to sleep using intravenous medicine.
• If local anesthesia is used to numb the area, you will need to lie still during the procedure.
• The provider will make a small cut (incision) over the biopsy site. He or she will insert the biopsy needle into your bone.
• If you are awake, you may feel discomfort or pressure when your healthcare provider takes the bone sample.
• The biopsy needle will be withdrawn, and firm pressure will be applied to the biopsy site for a few minutes, until the bleeding has stopped.
• Your healthcare provider will close the opening in your skin with stitches or skin adhesive strips, if needed.
• A sterile bandage or dressing will be applied.
• The bone sample will be sent to the lab for examination.