A muscle biopsy involves removal of a plug of tissue usually by a
needle to be later used for examination. Sometimes more than one
needle insertion may be needed to obtain a large enough specimen.
If there is a patchy condition expected an open biopsy may be used.
Open biopsy involves a small incision through the skin and into the
muscle, so that a sample of muscle tissue can be removed from the
affected area. There may be some slight bruising or bleeding at the
site but the risks are minimal with the procedure.
Review Date: 09/16/2010
Reviewed By: Dennis Ogiela, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Danbury Hospital, Danbury,
CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
