Power drill vs. needle: which makes bone marrow biopsy less painful?

NCT ID NCT03078452

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Emory University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a battery-powered drill could make bone marrow biopsies less painful and produce better samples than the traditional manual needle. 100 patients with plasma cell disorders took part. Researchers measured pain levels and the quality of the biopsy sample.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: battery-powered drill
What this could lead to: If successful, this could make bone marrow biopsies less painful and more efficient for patients with plasma cell disorders.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study comparing two devices, not a new treatment. The drill may not reduce pain or improve sample quality enough to change practice.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PLASMA CELL DISORDERS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

plasma cell myeloma plasma cell neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PLASMA CELL MYELOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Emory University/Winship Cancer Institute

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.