Muscle biopsy: moderate pain, but influenced by anxiety

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Researchers from the Institute of Myology conducted a retrospective study into the difficulties and experiences associated with muscle biopsies:

  • 100 adult patients with suspected myopathy were included in this study between 2024 and 2025,
  • the protocol included an analogue pain assessment as well as telephone interviews two and three weeks after the procedure,
  • pain associated with the procedure was ultimately relatively moderate, and lower than that most commonly reported in other comparable international studies,
  • anxiety prior to the biopsy proved to be a significant determinant of pain.

The authors recommend addressing this aspect of the procedure to better prepare patients.

Psychosocial Determinants of Pain in Muscle Biopsy.
Labella B, Lacene E, Beuvin M et al. Muscle Nerve. 2026 May

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