CT-Guided Trans-osseous Biopsy: Experience in 24 Patients.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of computed tomography-guided trans-osseous biopsies in deep-seated lesions and report encountered complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed which included twenty-four patients with pathologic medical history and lesions non-accessible by common approaches. Exclusion criteria include patients who could be biopsied without trans-osseous access, as for example procedures aided with hydro- or pneumo-dissection. The population studied included 13 females (54.2%) and the overall average age was 64.5 (IIQ 43-69). The procedures were carried out through the following bones: sternum (n = 6), vertebral (n = 5), iliac (n = 5), scapula (n = 3), rib (n = 2), sacral (n = 2), and pubis (n = 1).

RESULTS

The efficiency for these procedures was 87.5%, while 8.33% of them were non-diagnostic and 4.17% were inconclusive due to vital risk during the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Computed tomography-guided trans-osseous biopsy resulted in a safe and effective technique for those lesions blocked by vital structures or apparently directly inaccessible.