Fine-Needle aspiration biopsy of bone lesions in the spine: diagnostic value.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 92 patients with back pain and a lesion confirmed via x-ray of the spine. In 31 patients in whom x-ray findings had suggested spondylitis, fine-needle aspiration biopsy showed the presence of a tumour in three patients. Of 61 patients with radiographic findings suggestive of malignancy, 26 had benign unspecific lesions, and 35 patients had neoplastic lesions. There were four false negative cytological reports and one false positive report. Additional ESR determination was of no clinical value. There were no complications. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of bone lesions is recommended as an easy, safe and very often a valuable diagnostic complement.