Bone Biopsy: Risks

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Risks

Problems from a bone biopsy are rare. There is a very small chance that the biopsy needle may break (fracture) the bone or injure a nerve, blood vessel, or organ near the biopsy site. Surgery may be needed to treat the problem.

There is a very small chance for a skin infection or for the bone to become infected (osteomyelitis) or to not heal well. In rare cases, the bone may become weak and break (fracture) at a later time.

If you take aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) or if you have a bleeding disorder, you may have more chance for bleeding from the biopsy site. Also, some tumors or bone conditions can cause more bleeding after a biopsy. Your doctor will talk to you about getting blood factors before this biopsy to lower your chance of bleeding.

After the biopsy

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• A lot of bleeding on the bandage.
• Signs of infection. These signs may include:
  • Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
  • Red streaks spreading from the affected area.
  • Drainage of pus from the area.
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
  • Fever or chills.

Last updated:	October 24, 2008
Author:	Bets Davis, MFA
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer