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Is transiliac bone biopsy a painful procedure?
Maurice Audran1, Emilie Maury, Béatrice Bouvard
1Department of Bone Diseases, University Hospital, Angers Cedex, France. MaAudran@univ-angers.fr
Clinical Nephrology
|January 20, 2012
Summary
Transiliac bone biopsy is a safe and valuable diagnostic tool for bone disorders. Most patients find the procedure minimally painful and bearable, with few serious side effects reported.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pathology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Undecalcified transiliac bone biopsy is crucial for diagnosing metabolic and malignant bone disorders.
- Clinicians hesitate due to perceived pain, despite its diagnostic value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient-reported pain and anxiety following transiliac bone biopsy.
- To characterize early and late side effects of the procedure.
Main Methods:
- A phone survey with a 19-item questionnaire was conducted.
- 117 patients who underwent bone biopsy by experienced physicians were interviewed.
Main Results:
- Nearly 70% of patients reported the bone biopsy as non-painful; 25% experienced mild discomfort.
- The procedure was comparable or less painful than bone marrow aspiration or tooth extraction.
- 90% found the diagnostic procedure bearable, with no serious side effects like hematoma or infection.
Conclusions:
- Transiliac bone biopsy is a safe procedure when performed by experienced physicians using appropriate techniques.
- The diagnostic information obtained from bone biopsy is invaluable for managing bone disorders.
