Bone Biopsy Pain & Recovery

Samples of bones are removed with special biopsy needles or surgery during a bone biopsy. Your pain and recovery from a bone biopsy will depend on the type of biopsy performed and your specific medical condition.

Types

• There are two types of bone biopsies. A needle biopsy is done under local anesthesia, with the doctor making a small incision and using a special biopsy needle to obtain the sample. For an open biopsy, which is performed under general anesthesia, a larger incision is made and a piece of bone is surgically removed.

During the Biopsy

• You will feel no discomfort during the procedure if general anesthesia is used. With local anesthesia, the area will be numbed and you might feel discomfort or pressure while the doctor performs the biopsy.

Bone Biopsy Recovery

• The biopsy site will be tender and sore for several days after the procedure. Stitches may be present if a surgical bone biopsy was performed. Keep the biopsy site clean and dry. Pain medication should be used as recommended by your physician.

Complications

• Complications associated with a bone biopsy can include bruising and discomfort at the site, bone fracture, prolonged bleeding from the site and infection near the site or in the bone.

Considerations

• You should notify your physician after your biopsy if you experience redness or swelling; bleeding or other drainage from the biopsy site; a fever; or an increase in pain around the site of the biopsy.