Imaging-guided biopsy in musculoskeletal infections

Biopsies may be required in patients suspected to have musculoskeletal infections to confirm the diagnosis and also to identify the causative organism. Imaging-guided biopsies have gained increased acceptance to obtain various types of tissues for diagnosis. Under image guidance, biopsies are done percutaneously, usually under local anesthesia. They are relatively safe, and complications are significantly less compared with open biopsies. In this article, we review the planning, indications, technique, and complications of imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy performed for musculoskeletal infections.