What is the optimal method to perform bone biopsy (method, location, imaging use) for patients with foot and ankle infections?

Author: Joseph T. O’Neil

RECOMMENDATION: A bone biopsy should generally be performed in a percutaneous fashion, particularly in cases where surgical debridement is not considered necessary. If surgical debridement is considered necessary, then an open biopsy can be performed as part of the debridement. Percutaneous biopsy should be performed under sterile conditions by an interventional radiologist or other physician trained in image guided techniques. The location of the biopsy will depend upon the clinical and radiographic evaluations, with a goal of maximizing the yield of the biopsy while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding and/or overlying soft tissue structures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Consensus

DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus)

FA-23