Diagnostic approach to bone tumours.

A standardized preoperative diagnostic approach in correct stages is essential in the prognostic evaluation and therefore in the subsequent treatment of bone tumours. A protocol is proposed, based on an initial (primary) series of investigations followed by a more sophisticated (secondary) series of examination based on the suspected diagnosis so obtained. The usefulness and indications for the different instrumental tests available today are evaluated (bone scintigraphy, CT scan, arteriography) both in benign and malignant bone tumours. Various biopsy techniques are discussed and illustrated.