Final answer:
A Jamshidi needle is typically used for bone marrow biopsies to extract bone marrow samples for diagnostic tests or bone marrow transplants, which are important for treating certain anemias and cancers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The orthopedic surgical instrument used to obtain samples for bone marrow biopsies is called a Jamshidi needle or a bone marrow biopsy needle. This large-bore needle is specifically designed to penetrate the bone and extract a sample of the bone marrow, usually from the iliac crest of the pelvic bones. The procedure allows healthcare providers to collect bone marrow for diagnostic tests or for use in bone marrow transplants. Although the process can be quite painful, it is crucial for diagnosing and treating certain severe forms of anemia, such as thalassemia major and sickle cell anemia, and certain types of cancer, like leukemia.