title: Thoracolumbar needle biopsy.
abstract: Utilizing radiologic C-arm control, percutaneous needle biopsy of the spine may be performed safely at the T11 through L5 levels. Its main advantage is the avoidance of performing an open surgical biopsy; however, it is an exacting technique and, even when done properly, the procedure may result in nondiagnostic tissue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Naval Hospital, Oakland, California 94627.
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed