What is Needle Biopsy of the Bone

A bone biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of bone is removed. The sample is taken with a needle. Then, the bone sample is looked at under a microscope to check for abnormalities.

The sample is usually taken from a bone that is close to the skin. This procedure may be done to check for various problems with the bone. You may need this procedure if imaging tests or blood tests have indicated a possible problem.

This procedure may be done to help determine if a bone tumor is cancerous (malignant). A bone biopsy can help to diagnose problems such as:

• Tumors of the bone (sarcomas) and bone marrow (multiple myeloma).
• Bone that forms abnormally (Paget disease).
• Noncancerous (benign) bone cysts.
• Bony growths.
• Infections in the bone.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection.
• Injury to surrounding tissue.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Plan to have someone take you home after the procedure.
• If you go home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV tube may be inserted into one of your veins.
• The injection site will be cleaned with a germ-killing solution (antiseptic).
• You will be given one or more of the following:
  • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
  • A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
• The sample of bone will be removed by putting a large needle through the skin and into the bone.
• The needle will be removed.
• A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the insertion site and taped in place.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider.

Needle Biopsy of the Bone, Care After

Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After your procedure, it is common to have soreness or tenderness at the puncture site.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Bathe and shower as told by your health care provider.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about:
  • How to take care of your puncture site.
  • When and how you should change your bandage (dressing).
  • When you should remove your dressing.
• Check your puncture site every day for signs of infection. Watch for:
  • Redness, swelling, or worsening pain.
  • Fluid, blood, or pus.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have redness, swelling, or worsening pain at the site of your puncture.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your puncture site.
• You have a fever.
• You have persistent nausea or vomiting.

Get help right away if:

• You develop a rash.
• You have difficulty breathing.