[Experience with percutaneous needle muscle biopsy in pediatrics: alternatives to open biopsy?]

Over 14 months the authors have performed 22 needle muscle biopsies using the Bergström needle. Sufficient material was obtained for histological, histochemical and electron microscopic examination. The biopsies can be done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic, and with sedation in infants and young children. The technique is safe, quick and well tolerated and leaves only a very small scar. It provides adequate information for almost all diagnostic purposes in neuromuscular disease. The few indications for open muscle biopsy are discussed.