What is Open Biopsy of the Bone

A bone biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of bone is removed. In an open biopsy, the sample is removed through an incision. 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.
• An infection in the bone (osteomyelitis).

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.
• Ask your health care provider how your incision site will be marked or identified.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.

What happens during the procedure?

• To reduce your risk of infection:
  • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • Your skin will be washed with soap.
• An IV tube may be inserted into one of your veins.
• You will be given one of the following:
  • A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
  • A medicine that is injected into an area of your body to numb everything below the injection site (regional anesthetic).
• An incision will be made over the biopsy site. A sample of bone tissue will be removed using surgical tools.
• The incision will be closed with stitches (sutures).
• A bandage (dressing) will be placed over the incision.

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.

Open 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 biopsy 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. Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves.
• There are many ways to close and cover an incision. For example, an incision can be closed with stitches (sutures), skin glue, or adhesive strips. Follow instructions from your health care provider about:
  • How to take care of your incision.
  • When and how you should change your bandage (dressing).
  • When you should remove your dressing.
  • Removing whatever was used to close your incision.
• Check your incision area 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 incision.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your incision site.
• You have a fever.
• You develop persistent nausea or vomiting.
• The edges of your incision break open after the sutures or staples have been removed.

Get help right away if:

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