Percutaneous needle biopsy of the spine.

The results of 75 percutaneous needle biopsies of the spine were analyzed. There were 8 cervical, 25 thoracic, 27 lumbar, and 15 sacral biopsies. An accurate diagnosis was made in 92% of all cases. Metastatic disease yielded the best accuracy rate (96%). The lowest accuracy rate (82%) was noted with benign primary tumors and fractures. The results were better in female patients than male (97% vs. 86%). Larger needles gave slightly better accuracy (97%). No relationship between accuracy and spine level was found. There were two complications: one pneumothorax and an episode of self-limited hemorrhage. Percutaneous needle biopsy is a safe and reliable method of obtaining a diagnosis in many different spine lesions.