Abstract

Advanced diagnostic technologies such as ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) could not provide any information about the sternebrae cortex thickness and medullary cavity dimensions. Herein, we aim to provide relevant anatomy of the sternum and more sophisticated measurements to ensure safe needle insertion during bone marrow aspiration in dogs.
This study revealed that the space between skin and cortex measures an average of 0.8 cm, which increases towards the xiphoid, as shown by ultrasound. Meanwhile, the sagittal section of the sternum showed that the cortex measured as thin as one millimeter. The medullary space of sternebrae 2nd – 7th was 1.5 cm2, while the manubrium measured 3.8 cm2.
In conclusion, knowing the exact sternebrae dimensions helped the students to master the bone marrow aspiration technique and become sensitive to needle advancement once it reaches the cortex.

Key words: Bone marrow aspiration, sternum, Ultrasound guide, gross anatomy