A bone biopsy is performed by making a small incision into the
skin. A biopsy needle retrieves a sample of bone and it is sent for
examination. The most common reasons for bone lesion biopsy are to
distinguish between benign and malignant bone tumors, and to
identify other bone abnormalities. Bone biopsy may also be
performed to determine the cause of bone pain and tenderness.
Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine; C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports
Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic
Surgery. 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)
