[X-ray guided punch biopsy of the spinal column]

Roentgenographically visible lesions of the skeleton are subjects for microscopy if the nature of the lesion is uncertain. In particular, the vertebral column, as it lies so deeply, needs a major surgical intervention if an excision has to be performed. The radiologically guided trephine biopsy, in contrast, is a great simplification for the patient. Using the Jamshidi-needle, 57 bone biopsies were performed. In 53 cases a reliable pathologic diagnosis was obtained by microscopy. Bacteriology, however, was positive in only 5 out of 23 cases with spondylitis or spondylodiscitis. No complications were observed.