Diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy with the Jamshidi needle biopsy.

Nineteen bone biopsies with the Jamshidi needle were performed in 18 patients with renal osteodystrophy. The procedure was performed in the office or at the bedside and was tolerated well by all patients. These biopsies, plus clinical and laboratory studies provided all the information necessary to make therapeutic decisions. For most clinical purposes, serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, a parathyroid hormone assay, spine and hand roentgenograms, and tetracycline-labeled Jamshidi needle biopsy of the iliac crest are satisfactory for the evaluation of renal osteodystrophy.