A study on core cut biopsy in bone lesions

Author(s): Nijith O Govindan, Jyothi Prasanth, Gopakumar TS, Akhil R Nambiar, Manjunath DS, Prathap Kumar, Biju M Nair and Christeena Jose

Abstract: To study the histopathology of bone lesion received as core cut biopsy and the adequacy of core cut biopsy in diagnosis of bone lesion. Between June 2012 to May 2013, 90 core cut bone biopsy for histopathology were included in this study. Clinical and radiological findings were obtained from patient records. Core cut biopsy for suspected lesions were obtained by trephine biopsy needle and formalin fixed. Not more than two cores were taken. Except in young all biopsy was under local anesthesia. Deep seated lesions were sampled under CT guidance. Specimens were decalcified, paraffin embedded, haematoxylin, eosin stained and studied. All age group were included, youngest being one year and oldest being 92 year old. Males were 55% and females were 45%. 80% of bone biopsies could be diagnosed in closed biopsy specimens. 20% were inconclusive needed open surgical biopsy. Out of 80% diagnosed cases only 44% went for open surgical biopsy. In 92% (out of 44%) the diagnosis matched the core cut biopsy. The remaining cases which were not operated either were mainly metastasis or tuberculosis which was treated conservatively. Some were lost to follow up as some were referred to oncology centres for limb salvage options. Core cut bone biopsy is a convenient and cost effective method for diagnosis of bone lesions. It can be done for early diagnosis of bone lesions. It needs a closed association between the orthopaedician, radiologist and pathologist.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2017.v3.i1a.03