Rib biopsy technique for cortical bone evaluation in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Old World primates are often studied to model human skeletal physiology, An important advantage of monkeys over other animal models (i.e., rodents) is the presence of cortical bone Haversian remodeling. Seventy-five female rh esus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were subjected to bone biopsy. With monkeys i n lateral decubitus position, the tenth rib was surgically exposed and free d from periosteum by use of careful sharp and blunt dissection. The rib sec tion was resected, using bone cutters, and the surgical wound was closed. T his procedure was repeated for the contralateral rib at a later time point in 65 monkeys. There was no mortality or appreciable morbidity. The bone specimens were (m ean +/- SD) 2.50 +/- 0.25 cm long, with 5.5 +/- 1.0 mm(2) total cross-secti onal area. They were adequate for histologic, immunohistochemical, and quan titative histomorphometric examinations. Prevalence of pneumothorax was app roximately 8.0% for the 140 procedures. This complication was immediately a nd successfully corrected by insertion of a small thoracic tube, evacuation of pneumothorax, and closure of the incision. This well-tolerated, repeatable procedure yields excellent specimens for pe rformance of cortical bone histologic examination without euthanasia, allow ing longitudinal evaluation.