Biopsy: considerations on surgical technique derived from a study of 749 cases of bone tumour.

Based on a study of 749 consecutive cases submitted to open biopsy over a 12 year period, the authors discuss the possible grave consequences that can arise out of wrong attitudes or faulty technique. The statistical analysis, together with illustrative cases, demonstrates the difficulties, mistakes and biological damage that can result. Biopsy should always be associated with other methods of investigation, such as C.A.T. scanning, scintigraphy and angiography. It is a delicate and sometimes difficult procedure which requires close collaboration with the radiologist and pathologist. At the present time, our tendency is towards biopsy at the time of operation (with frozen sections) or to needle biopsy.