WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about a bone biopsy? A bone biopsy is a procedure to take a sample of bone tissue. It may be done using a special needle or during surgery. A bone biopsy may be done to test for cancer, infection, or bone disease. How do I prepare for a bone biopsy? - You may need blood or urine tests before the procedure. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. He may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. He will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- You may be given an antibiotic through your IV to help prevent a bacterial infection. Contrast liquid may be used during the procedure to help the bone or tumor show up better in pictures. Tell your healthcare provider if you have an allergy to contrast liquid. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What will happen during a bone biopsy? - You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain during surgery. You may get general anesthesia if your healthcare provider needs to make an incision to remove a larger piece of bone. You may instead be given local anesthesia with medicine to help you relax. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. Your healthcare provider may use contrast liquid to help your bone show up better in pictures. He may use it in both types of bone biopsies.
- If a bone biopsy will be done with a needle, your healthcare provider will insert a needle through your skin and into your bone. He will remove a small amount of bone tissue through the needle. He will remove the needle and hold pressure on the wound for several minutes. A small bandage will be placed over your wound.
- If your healthcare provider needs to remove a larger piece of bone, he will make an incision in your skin. He may use a drill to remove a piece of your bone. Cement or a metal rod may be placed into your bone to prevent it from breaking. Your healthcare provider may close the incision with stitches or surgical tape and cover it with a bandage.
What will happen after a bone biopsy? You will be monitored by healthcare providers until you are awake and your vital signs are stable. Your vital signs include your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. You may need an x-ray to look for breaks in your bone. You may go home after your procedure or may need to spend the night in the hospital. What are the risks of a bone biopsy? You may bleed more than expected. Your bone may become infected or weak. Your bone may break during or after the procedure. The needle may break and cause nerve or blood vessel damage. You may have swelling and pain. |