Percutaneous biopsy for spinal lesions initial experience : advantages and outcome

Abstract EN

Thirty six cases of percutaneous biopsies for spinal lesions were carried out at King Hussein Medical Center in the period January 1995 till January 1999 in an attempt to obviate the need for open surgery, and to reduce the mortality and morbidity rates associated with open back surgery.

All the patients who were subjected to percutaneous biopsies had localised spinal pathology on computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

All the biopsies have beat performed under local anesthesia.

Bi-planar fluoroscopy control was used as radiology guidance in lumbar and cervical biopsies.

CT controlled biopsies were used for cervical, dorsal, and sacral lesions.

The Ackerman trephine needle was used in all patients.

Several core biopsies for pathological examination and culture were obtained from all patients.

No serious complications were registered Out of the 36 cases only seven cases were not diagnosed using percutaneous biopsy.

Percutaneous biopsy proved to be safe, quick, and a reliable alternative to open surgery biopsy in this respect.