Angiography for mass lesions of bone, joint, and soft tissue.

Information can be acquired from the angiogram that would aid the surgeon in his approach. Such problems as the site of biopsy, the size and extent of the growth, and variant anatomical situations can be known beforehand. The extent of major vessel involvement is also important. Knowledge that a tumor may be difficult to excise without compromising a vital neuromuscular structure is worthy of consideration. We have endeavored to summarize our experience as it relates to mass lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Certain signs -- arteriovenous shunting, hypervascularity -- appear to indicate that the mass is malignant, whereas five other features can be seen in any of the conditions reviewed. As with any invasive procedure, the risks must be weighed against the information gained. At the time of this writing we consider angiography to be a worthwhile procedure.