Optimisation of bone marrow aspiration from the equine sternum for the safe recovery of mesenchymal stem cells.
Authors: Kasashima Y, Ueno T, Tomita A, Goodship A E, Smith R K W
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Optimisation of bone marrow aspiration from the equine sternum for the safe recovery of mesenchymal stem cells As regenerative medicine increasingly dominates orthopaedic treatment protocols in equine practice, a standardised, anatomically sound technique for harvesting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has become essential. Kasashima and colleagues used cadaveric dissection, ultrasonographic mapping and histological analysis to identify the safest sternal location for bone marrow aspiration, evaluating both the anatomical relationships to vital structures and the quality of cellular yield from sequential aspirates. The 5th sternebra emerged as the optimal target—offering adequate dorsoventral thickness whilst remaining cranial to the cardiac apex and reliably identifiable on ultrasound—though the 4th and 6th sternebrae proved viable alternatives depending on anatomical constraints. The first 5 ml aliquot yielded the highest colony-forming unit count with confirmed trilineage differentiation potential, whilst needle insertion caused minimal disruption to the internal bone architecture. For practitioners incorporating MSC therapy into clinical caseloads, this research provides evidence-based guidance on needle placement, confirms the utility of ultrasonographic assistance to minimise procedural risk, and establishes that sternal aspiration delivers robust cell recovery suitable for regenerative applications in soft tissue and orthopaedic injury.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Target the 5th sternebra under ultrasound guidance when performing bone marrow aspiration in horses for MSC therapy—it offers the best safety profile relative to cardiac anatomy and bone thickness
- •Collect the first 5 ml aliquot preferentially as it yields the highest concentration of viable multipotent mesenchymal stem cells for cell-based orthopaedic treatments
- •This technique provides a reliable, minimally invasive method for obtaining autologous MSCs for lameness and soft tissue injury treatment without significant risk to the horse
Key Findings
- •The 5th sternebra is the optimal safe location for bone marrow aspiration, having adequate dorsoventral thickness and location cranial to the heart apex
- •The first 5 ml aliquot from sternal aspiration contains the greatest number of colony-forming mesenchymal stem cells with trilineage differentiation capability
- •Ultrasonographic guidance enables reliable identification of sternebrae (4th-6th) and accurate Jamshidi needle placement with minimal structural damage
- •Sternal marrow aspiration using this technique causes minimal disruption to internal bony architecture as demonstrated histologically