The effectiveness of a standard drill connected to a core biopsy needle: how to obtain specimens in very strong bone tumors

Publication date: Available online 9 June 2018
Source:Injury
Author(s): J. Baldi, D. Attala, A. Scotto di Uccio, V. Laquintana, R. Biagini, C. Zoccali
IntroductionCore biopsy is today recognized as the gold standard for the diagnosis of bone lesions; unfortunately, when the bone is too solid it can be very difficult to penetrate it; in case of failure, open biopsy is indicated but it is associated with greater contamination and complications. A possible solution is to connect a common orthopedic drill to the core biopsy needle.The aim of the presenting study was to present a technique useful for performing biopsies in case of very strong bone lesions and to evaluate the adequacy and quality of the obtained specimen.Materials and methodsA standard bone biopsy set was connected to a commercial drill to perform bone biopsies. Data was collected over a 2-year period (2015-2016). Information regarding technical success, diagnostic data and complication rates was all collated to assess the technical feasibility of this technique.ResultsOut of 357 bone biopsies, 34 patients underwent the procedure using a common orthopedic drill connected to a core biopsy needle. Diagnostic material was obtained in each patient and the artifacts were considered irrelevant. No major complications occurred in any patient.DiscussionThe use of a core biopsy needle connected to a common orthopedic drill facilitates the penetration of thick cortical bone by simply applying continuous speed and pressure; nevertheless, the biopsy needle we use is not designed for a drilling procedure and for this reason it can be damaged, but if the biopsy is performed with particular attention, the mechanical failure can be avoidedConclusionsBone biopsy using a commercial hand drill has a technically high success rate with minimal complications. Further studies with more cases are necessary to verify our results.



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