The value of rib biopsy in the study of marrow disorders.

Specimens of marrow for histological examination may be obtained either by sectioning the particles present in a marrow aspirate or by surgical trephine of the sternum (Custer, 1933; Dameshek, Henstell, and Valentine, 1937; White, Baker, and Griffin, 1946). The former procedure is limited in many cases by the size of the particles withdrawn, while the latter, not infrequently, yields specimens consisting largely of bone and the marrow obtained may be distorted or too small for adequate histological study. In view of these disadvantages it was decided to use rib biopsy as an alternative method for obtaining marrow for diagnostic purposes. The evaluation of normal variations and the selection and refinement of histological techniques were first undertaken on samples obtained at routine thoracotomies and at necropsy. Our findings are reported below.