Fine-needle aspiration of bone lesions

Percutaneous needle biopsy of bone lesions has been done for over 50 years. Although initially not widely used, it has been increasingly accepted over the past several years. Large-bore needles were used at first. However, as cytopathological techniques have improved, fine-needle biopsy has become feasible, offering the advantage of reduced tissue trauma and increased flexibility in needle positioning. We have retrospectively reviewed our fine-needle bone biopsies performed from January 1985 to May 1988 in 53 patients. Repeat aspirations were required on only five patients. Adequate samples were obtained at initial biopsy in the remainder. Accuracy was 0.94 which is comparable with, or better than, reported results obtained using larger bone needles. Accuracy was not affected by site or number of lesions, nor was it markedly different in patients with and without known primary malignant lesions. Biopsy of bone lesions using a fine needle provides a flexible, accurate, and relatively atraumatic alternative to more invasive methods.