[Percutaneous bone biopsy. Critical analysis of 153 patients].

The value of transcutaneous bone biopsy was critically examined in a retrospective study of 153 patients with various bone diseases. A comparison of the clinical, radiological and histological findings gave reliable results in approximately 82%. Specific results were worse in inflammatory processes than in those involving tumours. The results of biopsy were of particular interest where clinical and radiological examinations pointed to an isolated bone metastasis in cases of known and unknown primary tumours. The advantages of the method are discussed with regard to the patient's well-being and to cost.