Techniques for aspirating bone marrow for use in spinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The osteogenicity of bone marrow has been well documented in the literature. The use of bone marrow as a source of osteoprogenitor cells for spinal fusion surgery is increasing. Improper aspiration technique can lead to dilution of bone marrow and a subsequent reduction in osteoprogenitor cells. Therefore, correct aspiration technique is imperative to the successful use of bone marrow with various grafting combinations.
METHODS: The authors describe techniques for aspirating bone marrow from the anterior and posterior iliac crest, as well as vertebral body aspiration. The use of selective cell retention to increase the number of osteoprogenitor cells populating a graft is also described.
RESULTS: Complications from bone marrow aspiration can occur, but the incidence is rare.
CONCLUSION: Clinical studies currently under way will answer the question of bone marrow efficacy in spinal fusion surgery.