Reamer-irrigator-aspirate versus bone marrow aspirate concentrate for osteoprogenitor cell retention and osteoinductive protein release on cancellous bone

Bone defects often require operative intervention with the use of bone graft. Two sources of autologous bone graft include reamer-irrigator-aspirate (RIA) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC). Osteoprogenitor cells and osteoconductive proteins have been identified in both sources. This study collected samples of these cells and proteins from a canine model and cultured them on human cancellous allograft bone blocks. Findings suggest that BMC may be preferred for indications that allow for delivery via injection, saturation of the patient's tissues, or an implanted scaffold, whereas RIA may be preferred when the biologic augment is delivered as a scaffold or graft.