Many patients with blood disorders require a bone marrow aspiration, which we refer to as a bone puncture. Some patients are particularly scared when they hear about it. Most are afraid of the pain, and a few think they are having a lumbar puncture, thinking they will become stupid or paralyzed. In fact, there are several common sites for bone marrow puncture: posterior iliac, anterior iliac, sternum, and also anterior tibial for young children. The posterior iliac is the most common site, where it is done, similar to a buttock injection! The whole process is very similar, and the sites are also similar. A local anesthetic will be administered first, usually with lidocaine. There will be localized soreness and swelling during the puncture. Some patients will be in pain, some will not feel much, and generally speaking, the whole process will only take a few minutes. After the procedure is over, a little pressure is applied for a few minutes and you will be fine. After the procedure is done, you can move around and do what you need to do. Do not get water on the site of the bone puncture for three days to prevent infection.