Osteoid-osteoma: intraoperative tetracycline-fluorescence demonstration of the nidus

Nine patients with a clinical and radiographic diagnosis of osteoid-osteoma received 750 to 4,000 milligrams of tetracycline preoperatively. Immediate examination of the surgically removed specimens under ultraviolet light demonstrated fluorescence of the nidus in all nine patients. Reactive and normal bone did not fluoresce. This simple technique permits quick, easy, economical, and sure verification that the nidus has been excised.