[Reaming debris: a source of vital cells! First results of human specimens].

Reaming debris is generated in the course of intramedullary reaming of long bones. Up to now there has been little information about the composition of reaming debris. Especially, it remains to be elucidated if reaming debris contains vital cells. The goal of the present vitro investigation has been the harvest of cells from human reaming debris and the subsequent characterization of the cells. 21 specimens of human reaming debris have been investigated. Each specimen has been divided into two parts. One part has been examined by means of transmission electron microscopy while the other part of each specimen has been transferred into culture dishes. The developing cell cultures were characterized by using FACS analysis and were incubated within osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation media. The results of electron microscopy have revealed the presence of both, vital cells and massively altered cells. Cell growth occurred after initial plating of all specimens. The cells which were grown within the culture dishes could be characterized as mesenchymal stem cells on the basis of their morphology, differentiation capacity and antigen profile. Based upon these results reaming debris has to be regarded as a source of vital mesenchymal stem cells. It remains to be elucidated, if reaming debris can be used as an alternative to bone tissue grafting.