Query: Methods of cutting small bones

From: William (wlit0613_at_postoffice.uri.edu)
Date: 06/30/04 

Date: 30 Jun 2004 14:26:18 -0700

I am a graduate student currently trying to investigate early bone
mineralization in mice. I have run into a problem where I need to cut
bones into two pieces (longitudinally) for seperate embedding into two
different compounds.

I also need to preserve as much of the central diaphysis intact as
possible. So far I have been unable to find any cutting technique
likely to destroy less than a .5mm length of the bone (including heat
deformation and denaturation of the collagen matrix). In the interest
of leaving no avenue untried, I've decided to ask total strangers for
ideas.

Currently my best option appears to be jeweler's saws. However, I
would prefer to avoid large or hand-powered tools due to the need to
make the cut precisely in the center of the bone, which range from
4-12mm long and about 1 mm thick.

I have already tried scalpels (bone cracks), disposable microtome
blades (same, plus deformed blade), diamond wafer saws (too thick),
and freeze-cracking (bone shatters).

William Little

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