Objective: In the present study we review our experience with 900 consecutive percutaneous muscle biopsies over the period 1993 to 2007. We examined the advantages and limitations of the procedure, biopsy site preferences, diagnostic range, frequency of diagnoses and quality of histopathology. Demographics, referral patterns and patients' perceptions of the procedure were also assessed.
Methods: Cases were identified through the London Health Sciences Centre Department of Pathology database. Standard biopsy procedures were followed using a manual trocar style instrument. With a neuropathology technologist in attendance at all biopsies, biopsies were oriented in the fresh state and snap frozen.
Results: Most referrals for muscle biopsy were from neuromuscular neurologists. The procedure was found to be efficient, well-tolerated and produced high quality specimens in all diagnostic categories. No major complications occurred. Failure to obtain an adequate tissue sample, although uncommon (< 2%), was usually due to marked obesity, edema or muscle wasting. Bleeding at the site was rarely problematic and no wound infections were reported.
Conclusions: Needle muscle biopsies represent an efficient alternative to open biopsies when peripheral nerve sampling is not required and when large tissue samples are not needed for extensive biochemical analyses.