A bone biopsy is a procedure that is done when specific changes are noted on radiographs (x-rays). These changes typically are very aggressive looking and show loss of bone along with excessive bone production where we do not typically see it.

The procedure requires us to heavily sedate the patient and take a sample of the bone from the abnormal area. It is then submitted to a pathologist so they can look at it under the microscope and give a diagnosis of what is causing the radiographic changes. Once we have a diagnosis we can then talk about the different options as well as prognosis.

A joint tap is a procedure in which we insert a small needle into the joint to obtain a sample and submit it to the lab. Then it can be evaluated under the microscope or we can perform a culture on it if infection is suspected. We use this test to diagnose inflammation, infection and other potential joint diseases like cancer.