Fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the initial diagnosis of bone lesions.

Background: The diagnostic role of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of bone lesions is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of FNAB of bone lesions.

Materials And Methods: FNAB smears of 73 lesions obtained from 70 patients with bone lesions were retrospectively reviewed randomly, combined with clinical and radiological findings.

Results: Of the 73 FNAB cases analyzed, 67 (92%) were considered to be adequate for diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 86%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 94% and 100%, respectively. The specific FNAB diagnoses were correct in 63% of the benign group, 89% of the malignant group and 17% of the nonneoplastic group.

Conclusion: FNAB of bone is a simple, safe, rapid, reliable and cost-effective diagnostic procedure. FNAB is suggested to be helpful in the workup and management of patients with bone lesions.