From the Guidelines
Muscle biopsy of the thigh is considered a low-risk procedure with a 2-day risk of major bleed of 0%-2%. The potential risks and complications associated with this procedure include pain, bruising, and temporary discomfort at the biopsy site, which typically resolve within a few days to weeks 1. There is also a risk of infection, though this occurs in less than 1% of cases when proper sterile technique is used. Some patients may develop hematoma (collection of blood) at the biopsy site, which usually resolves on its own but occasionally requires drainage.
Key Risks and Considerations
- Nerve damage is a rare but serious potential complication, which could lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the thigh area
- Scarring at the incision site is expected but is usually minimal with modern techniques
- Allergic reaction to the local anesthetic used during the procedure is very rare
- For patients on blood thinners, there is an increased risk of bleeding, so medication adjustments may be necessary before the procedure, as indicated by the low risk category in the procedural bleeding risks table 1
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
- Most patients can resume normal activities within 24 hours, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about a week
- The procedure is generally safe when performed by experienced clinicians, with serious complications occurring in less than 1% of cases, similar to other low-risk procedures such as skin cancer excision, abdominal hernia repair, and cataract surgery 1
From the Research
Risks of Muscle Biopsy of the Thigh
The risks associated with a muscle biopsy of the thigh include:
- Pain, with an incidence of 1.27% 2
- Erythema, with an incidence of 1.27% 2
- Ecchymosis, with an incidence of 1.27% 2
- Panic episode, bleeding, and edema, with incidences of 0.21%, 0.42%, and 0.84%, respectively 2
- Intramuscular hematoma, although the volume is typically small (approximately 10-50 μL) and decreases rapidly within the first 2 weeks 3
- Muscle edema, which also decreases rapidly within the first 2 weeks 3
Comparison of Risks in Healthy and Diseased Subjects
The incidence of adverse events associated with percutaneous muscle biopsy does not differ significantly between healthy and chronically ill individuals 2.
Clinical Relevance of Risks
The risks associated with muscle biopsy are generally considered to be scarce and of minor clinical relevance 2. However, it is essential to carefully evaluate the potential benefits and risks of the procedure for each individual patient.
Procedure-Related Considerations
The muscle biopsy procedure can be performed through an open or needle technique under local anesthesia 4. The choice of technique and the selection of the muscle to be biopsied depend on various factors, including the suspected underlying condition and the patient's overall health status 4, 5, 6.