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.