Confirming Existing Diagnoses

• Your doctor may want you to undergo a bone biopsy if he or she suspects a bone disorder, such as Paget's disease (characterized by abnormally large, misshapen bones). Bone biopsies are useful in confirming bone disorders if something abnormal has already been shown by other tests. These other tests may include a computed tomography (CT) scan or an X-ray.
  
  

Bone Cancer

• Bone biopsies can easily reveal if any cancer is present.
  
  

Bone Infections

• Bone biopsies can determine infection as well as the underlying cause.
  
  

Ongoing Bone Pain

• If you suffer from chronic bone pain, a bone biopsy may help determine the cause.
  
  

Bone X-ray Followup

• If your doctor has seen bone problems on a previous X-ray, a bone biopsy can reveal further details and causes.
  
  

Blood Cell Problems

• Anemia or a decrease in red blood cells can be explained and treated with the help of a bone biopsy.