Comparison of autogenous cancellous bone grafts obtained from the sternum and proximal portion of the tibia of llamas
Kaneps, A.J.; Huber, M.J.; Snyder, S.P.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 215(3): 362-365
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 10434975 Document Number: 506724
Radiographs of the sternum and left tibia were obtained from 12 llamas, 3 to 19 years old, submitted to the Oregon State University, USA, for PM examination. Measurements of the sternum were determined from the radiographs and adjusted for magnification. Sternebrae volumes were estimated from these measurements. Anatomic dissections to the centre of the fourth sternebra and the proximal portion of the tibia were made, and a surgical approach to the sternum was developed. Cancellous graft tissue was obtained from each site and submitted for histological evaluation. Sternebrae 3, 4 and 5 were significantly larger in volume than the other sternebrae. The ventral aspect of the fourth sternebra was readily accessed for removal of graft tissue by making a 6-cm long ventral midline incision centred 17 cm cranial to the xiphoid. Mean soft tissue thickness overlying the ventral aspect of the fourth sternebra was 3.1 cm. More tissue was obtained from the sternal (mean, 9.11 g) than from the tibial (mean, 5.16 g) sites. Sternal graft tissue consisted of trabecular bone spicules with predominantly haematopoietic marrow, whereas tibial tissue consisted of trabecular bone spicules with only fatty marrow. It is concluded that the fourth sternebra in llamas is readily accessible for obtaining autogenous cancellous bone graft tissue that consists of predominantly haematopoietic marrow.