Biopsy problems in patients with musculoskeletal tumours

The problems of biopsy procedures and the effect that these had on subsequent surgery were studied in fifty one consecutive patients with musculoskeletal tumours. Difficulties included inadequate tissue for histology in 4 patients, wound infection in 5, haematoma formation in 2, inappropriate biopsy site in 7 and incorrect placement of drain exit site in 4. Open biopsy gave a more reliable diagnosis than needle biopsy, but was associated with a higher incidence of complications. Staging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and bone scans were less accurate when performed after the biopsy. Longitudinal incisions, centred over representative tumour tissue with the drain site placed in line with the incision, facilitate the adequate and uncomplicated removal of the entire biopsy scar and tract at the time of the definitive surgical procedure. It is concluded that biopsy for suspected musculoskeletal tumours should not be delegated to junior residents and should be performed in centres that have experience in the management of such tumours.