Abstract
Since 1965 twenty-three cases of vertebral body biopsy have been done without any complication by the method of cross section drawing of the affected level. Among them 21 cases (91.5%) were succeeded in obtaining the desirable histological specimens.
As preoperative preparations a full-size cross section at the level of the affected vertebra must be drawn from two X-ray pictures of A-P and lateral taken with a scale and from measurement of the skin curvature. The safest line for the trephine must be drawn on the paper. The line goes through the point 3 to 5milimeter lateral from the left pedicle and down 50 to the posterior frontal surface.
The surgery can be performed by local anaesthesia. The patients lye usually on their right side. A special designed guide is used with which the distance from the posterior midline to the small incision for the trephine and the angle can be decided. Cylindrical specimen of 2.5 to 3.5mm×15mm is taken from the desired site by screwing the trephine into the vertebral body. In dorsal spine the trephine must be always guided between the neck of the upper and lower ribs.
Exact knowledge of topographic anatomy is necessary. It could be emphasized to draw the accurate cross section and to do exact boring into the vertebral body on the drawing.
