Iliac biopsy for histomorphometric analysis of trabecular bone in cynomolgus monkeys and baboons

A humane, repeatable surgical technique was developed to harvest trabecular bone for histomorphometry from nonhuman primates. Using a direct surgical approach to the iliac crest, bone specimens with a mean cross sectional area of trabecular bone plus marrow (AT) of 12.02 and 18.07 mm2 were harvested from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and baboons (Papio anubis) respectively. The method provides bone samples with little artifact or bone dust contamination, and easy orientation and reproducibility of the plane of section. None of the cynomolgus monkeys were affected adversely by the surgery, but the baboons were quieter than normal for 12-24 hours afterward. The technique offers excellent biopsy specimens, repeatability and a minimum of stress to the subjects.