[Percutaneous trephine for vertebral biopsy]

We performed percutaneous vertebral biopsy on 18 patients (March 1978 to March 1992) using a Craig trephine needle under fluoroscopic control, a more reliable and safer procedure than open vertebral body biopsy. Material for histopathologic examination was obtained in 17 of the 18 patients and there were no complications. Possible complications involve mostly in the cervical and dorsal spine. They can be prevented by using very precise and delicate technique under reliable fluoroscopic control in the operating room.