Bone Biopsy: Open

Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

For an open bone biopsy, the doctor makes a cut (incision) through the skin to expose an area of the bone. General anesthesia or medicine to block feeling in the area where the cut is made (nerve block) is given to prevent pain. Then the doctor collects a small piece of bone that can be looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or another bone disorder.