| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A test in which a piece of bone or bone marrow is removed for examination. |
| Alternative Names | Bone biopsy; Biopsy - bone |
| How the test is performed | A bone biopsy involves removal of a small piece of bone for examination. A special drill needle is usually used. A local anesthetic is given, a small (about 1/8-inch) incision is made in the skin, and the biopsy needle is pushed and twisted into the bone. Once the sample is obtained, the needle is twisted out and the sample is sent for examination. Pressure is applied to the site. Once bleeding stops, the site is cleaned and covered with a bandage. Bone biopsy may also be performed under general anesthesia as a surgical excision (cutting out) of a piece of bone. Excision provides a larger specimen and may permit immediate surgical removal if examination indicates a malignant (cancerous) tumor . |
| How to prepare for the test | You may be asked to fast before a bone biopsy. If it is to be performed under general anesthesia, fasting for 6 to 8 hours is recommended. You must sign a consent form. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year) toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years) preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years) schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years) adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years) |
| How the test will feel | You may feel moderate discomfort and pressure, even though a local anesthetic is used for a needle biopsy . You must remain still during the procedure. After the biopsy, the area may be sore or tender for several days. |
| Why the test is performed | The most common reasons for bone lesion biopsy are to distinguish between benign and malignant bone tumors , and to identify other bone abnormalities. It may be performed on people with bone pain and tenderness, particularly if X-ray , CT scan, or other testing reveals a mass (aggregation of cells) or abnormality. |
| Normal Values | Normal bone appears as 2 types: compact and cancellous. Compact bone is dense and contains concentric layers of mineral deposits (lamellae). Cancellous bone looks porous, with widely spaced lamellae, and red and yellow marrow in the center of the bone. |
| What abnormal results mean | Benign bone tumors include:osteoid osteomaosteoblastoma bone cyst fibroma Malignant tumors include:multiple myelomaosteosarcomaEwing's sarcoma Other conditions include: osteomalaciaosteitis fibrosa infection (osteitis) associated with: histoplasmosis Coccidiomycosis mycobacteria Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: osteomyelitisrickets |
| What the risks are | discomfort bone fracture damage to surrounding tissue infection, localized (a risk any time the skin is broken) infection of the bone ( osteomyelitis ) excessive bleeding Note: Some people with bone disorders also have blood coagulation disorders , so the bleeding risk may be higher for some people than for others. |
| Special considerations | Signs of bone infection (one of the most serious risks) include fever , headache , pain with movement, redness and swelling of the tissues around the biopsy site, and drainage of pus from the biopsy site. |
| | |