A novel core biopsy needle with shorter dead space for percutaneous image-guided musculoskeletal biopsies - how does it compare with an established core biopsy needle?

Purpose: To compare diagnostic yield and utility of a novel core biopsy needle (NCBN) with shortened tip dead space for percutaneous musculoskeletal biopsies with an established core biopsy needle (ECBN).

Methods: This study was IRB approved and HIPAA compliant. All percutaneous biopsies using an NCBN performed between July 2020 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on patient demographics, biopsy technique, biopsy needle, and histopathology were collated.

Results: Thirty-six patients were included in this study, 16 (44%) undergoing biopsy with both an NCBN and an ECBN, and 20 (56%) with an NCBN only. All 36 NCBN biopsies were 16 gauge. Fifteen (94%) of the ECBN biopsies were 14 gauge, and 1 (6%) was 16 gauge. Thirty-four (94%) of the NCBN and 15 (94%) of the ECBN biopsies were diagnostic. No adverse events were identified.

Conclusion: Both the NCBN and ECBN have high diagnostic rates. No adverse events were identified. NCBN could be considered for biopsy of lesions limited by anatomic location or near adjacent critical structures.