Percutaneous Imaging-Guided versus Open Musculoskeletal Biopsy: Concepts and Controversies

Bone and soft tissue tumors are a largely heterogeneous group of tumors. Biopsy of musculoskeletal (MSK) tumors is sometimes a challenging procedure. Although the open biopsy is still considered the gold standard for the biopsy of MSK lesions, core needle biopsy can replace it in most cases, with similar accuracy and a low complication rate. The biopsy should be performed in a tertiary sarcoma center where the multidisciplinary team consists of at minimum a tumor surgeon, an MSK pathologist, and an MSK radiologist who can assess all steps of the procedure. Several factors can influence the success of the biopsy including the lesion characteristics, the equipment, and the method used for the procedure. This review highlights some of the important aspects regarding the biopsy of the MSK tumors, with special attention to imaging a guided core needle biopsy and highlighting some of the recent advancements and controversies in the field.