Biopsy of osteosarcoma is important for confirming the diagnosis and the determining histologic subtype. Biopsy may be performed percutaneously with either a fine-needle, or wide-bore needle, or through a formal incision.

• Biopsy of osteosarcoma is important for confirming the diagnosis and the determining histologic subtype.
• Biopsy procedures include:^[1][2][3][4]
  • Needle biopsy
    • Percutaneously with either a fine-needle, or a wide-bore needle
  • Surgical biopsy
    • Through a formal incision
• More invasive methods carry a higher risk of complications and contamination of tissue planes.
• Each year 30% of patients lose their limbs through inappropriate biopsy site and technique.
• In principle, biopsies should be performed at a tumor center by a specialist in tumor surgery.
• Inappropriate alignment of the biopsy or inadvertent contamination of soft tissues can render subsequent limb-preserving reconstructive surgery impossible.