[Morphometric evaluation of osteoclasts in non-decalcified bone sections. Its value in the diagnosis of...

The authors assessed the surface areas of osteocytic lacunae in non-decalcified bone sections using a histomorphometric method involving a device with an adaptable drawing on the microscope and a graduated sheet. In 7 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism proven surgically and in 8 cases of hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal failure, there was significant periosteocytic enlargement in comparison with a group of 7 controls. This method involving non-decalcified bone sections makes it possible to use the same slides as for the quantitative study of bone volumes, and osteoid, osteoclastic and fibrous surface areas. It is thus of great interest in the positive histological diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism.