Biopsy technique in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Seventy-eight consecutive patients with stage IIB osteosarcoma of the appendicular skeleton, treated between 1982 and 1992, were studied to determine whether the technique of biopsy affected the prognosis for long term survival. The risk of local recurrence was significant (p < 0.02) after open biopsy, as was the poor response to chemotherapy (p < 0.05) after percutaneous biopsy. We recommend percutaneous biopsy, if possible, when an osteosarcoma is suspected.