What is Biopsy of Superficial Bones Using Trocar: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Biopsy of superficial bones (such as ilium, sternum, spinous process, and ribs) using a trocar needle is an image-guided diagnostic procedure wherein a small sample of bone is obtained for microscopic examination. The goal is to confirm a diagnosis of a bone disorder, determine the cause of pain or infection, investigate an abnormality seen on CT or MRI scan, or determine whether a tumour is benign or cancerous. Although a bone biopsy can be obtained from any bone in the body, doctors prefer getting biopsy samples from bones that are close to the skin surface (superficial bones) and away from large blood vessels and internal organs to minimise complications and avoid causing damage to other body parts.

A trocar is a medical device used during laparoscopic surgery. It serves as a portal for the subsequent placement of other instruments including a trephine, a cylindrical blade designed to obtain bone samples or to cut holes in bones.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

A biopsy of superficial bones using a trocar needle is typically performed when the results of imaging scans, such as CT scans or X-rays, reveal signs of bones abnormalities. The procedure is often instrumental in determining if the abnormalities are due to infection, cancer, or other disorders.

Conditions associated with bone disorders include:

• Coccidiomycosis and histoplasmosis (fungal infection)
• Fibroma, osteoblastoma, and osteoid osteoma (benign tumour)
• Rickets and osteomalacia (weakening of the bones due to lack of calcium or vitamin D)
• Multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow that involves plasma cells)
• Mycobacteria infection (tuberculosis)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Osteitis fibrosa (softening of the bones due to hyperparathyroidism)
• Ewing’s sarcoma and osteosarcoma (malignant bone tumour that commonly affects children)

The results of the biopsy are used to make a diagnosis or to confirm the patient’s suspected condition. Depending on the results, the doctor may request for confirmatory tests or initiate a treatment plan.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Following the administration of anaesthesia to numb the skin and subcutaneous tissue, a vertical skin incision is made on the selected biopsy site using a scalpel to separate the fascia and muscle so the bone is exposed. The pointed trocar is then inserted through the outer guide sleeve before introduced to the skin incision in order to firmly expose the bone. The trephine (a hole saw) is then inserted. Using steady increasing pressure, it is rotated until a piece of the bone is cut from the connective tissue. All the instruments are then withdrawn and the incision is closed with nylon sutures and covered with a small adhesive pad and elastic pressure dressing. The whole procedure typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes with minimal blood loss.

Possible Risks and Complications

Although performed with anaesthetic, some patients experience sharp pain as the needle enters the bone and when the tissue sample is taken out. The biopsy site is also typically sore and tender for up to a week.

Serious complications rarely occur during a bone biopsy. However, there is a very small risk that the biopsy needle may break during the procedure and damage an organ, nerve, or blood vessel near the biopsy site. There’s also a small chance that the bone will become infected or weak at a later time, resulting in a fracture.

References:

• Carmen Georgescu et al. Value of qualitative bone histology assessment in the evaluation of subjects with primary osteoporosis. Acta Endocrinologica (Buc). 2005. 1:441-451.

• Hernandez JD, Wesseling K, Pereira R, Gales B, Harrison R, Salusky IB. Technical approach to iliac crest biopsy. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008 Nov. 3 Suppl 3:S164-9. [Medline].

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**What is Biopsy of Superficial Bones Using Trocar: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results**



**Definition:**

A⁣ biopsy of superficial bones using a‍ trocar is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a small sample of bone tissue from ⁤a superficial bone, such as the shinbone (tibia) or the kneecap ‍(patella),⁣ using a trocar needle.



**Overview:**

* Performed to evaluate bone health, diagnose bone diseases, or rule out infections.

* ‍Performed under ‍local ⁢anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

* Involves making a ‌small incision and‍ inserting a hollow trocar needle into the bone.

*‍ A small bone sample is‍ extracted through the needle.

* The sample is then‍ sent to a laboratory ​for analysis.



**Benefits:**

*⁣ Minimally invasive, causing less discomfort and⁣ scarring.

* Provides accurate results for diagnosing⁢ bone ⁣disorders.

* Can detect early stages of bone disease.

* Useful for monitoring⁢ the progression‍ of bone diseases.

* ‌Can help rule out infections or other conditions affecting the bone.



**Expected Results:**

* The results of a bone biopsy can vary depending on the underlying ‍condition.

* Normal results indicate healthy bone tissue.

* Abnormal results may indicate:

⁤ ⁣* Bone cancer

* Bone infection (osteomyelitis)

⁣⁤ * Metabolic bone disease

* Paget’s disease of bone

*⁣ Fibrous​ dysplasia



**Procedure:**



1. **Preparation:** The patient is positioned comfortably and the area ⁢to be biopsied is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.

2. **Incision:** A small⁣ incision is made ⁢in the skin to access the bone.

3. **Insertion of Trocar Needle:** A thin, ⁣hollow⁤ trocar needle is inserted into the bone ⁣tissue.

4. **Bone Sample Extraction:** A small bone sample is extracted through the needle and⁤ collected in a container.

5. **Stitching and Bandaging:** The incision is⁢ stitched closed, ‍and a ⁤bandage is applied to ⁢the site.



**Recovery:**



* The incision site⁣ may be sore for a few days.

* Keep the ⁣site​ clean and dry.

* Pain ‍can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

* ⁤Healing typically takes up to 2 weeks.



**Complications:**



* Rare but potential complications include:

* Infection⁤ at the biopsy site

* Bleeding

​ * Damage to nerves or blood vessels

* Failure to obtain a sufficient bone sample



**Additional Notes:**



* Biopsy of superficial bones using a trocar ⁢is a⁣ safe and effective procedure.

* It is important to discuss⁢ the potential risks and benefits with the healthcare provider before undergoing‌ the procedure.

* The‌ results of the bone​ biopsy will guide further ⁢treatment and management of bone⁣ conditions.