Ultrasound fusion imaging can guide biopsies for bone and soft-tissue cancers as well as conventional biopsy methods, according to research to be presented at this week's American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting in San Diego.
A research team from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit found that ultrasound fusion imaging -- merging real-time ultrasound images with previously acquired CT or MRI scans -- was safe, effective, and just as accurate as conventional biopsy imaging methods such as CT or MRI.
The study team, led by Michael Mott, MD, compared the results of 44 patients from January to December 2010. Patients were randomized into one of two groups: those who had received an ultrasound fusion biopsy and those who had received a CT biopsy.
Ultrasound fusion biopsy yielded 93% accuracy, compared with 90% for CT biopsy. The researchers said they also found ultrasound fusion to be as safe and effective as CT biopsy.
The study was funded by Henry Ford Hospital and GE Healthcare.
