Biopsy of musculoskeletal tumors - Current concepts

Biopsy is a key step in the diagnosis of bone and soft tissue tumors. An in adequately performed biopsy may fail to allow proper diagnosis, have a nega tive impact on survival, and ultimately necessitate an amputation to accomp lish adequate margins of resection, poorly performed biopsy remains a commo n finding in patients with musculoskeletal tumors who are referred to ortho paedic oncology centers. The principles by which an adequate and safe biops y of musculoskeletal tumors should be planned and performed are reviewed, a nd the surgical approach to different anatomic locations is emphasized.