Green Bone: Minocycline-Induced Discoloration of Bone Rarely Reported in Foot and Ankle

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official Publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Molly S JudgeMichael Lyons

Abstract

The tetracycline antibiotics incorporate into bone similar to bisphosphonates. Tetracycline stains bone a fluorescent yellow and minocycline, more commonly used for chronic acne, stains bone dark green. Owing to its frequent use, the occurrence of green bone discoloration due to antibiotics in the tetracycline class is well understood. Its pigmentation can be seen through delicate, thin tissue as a dark blue-gray. Histologic inspection of this bone will confirm a benign condition without evidence of bone disease. Although yellow and green discoloration has been documented frequently in association with oral surgery, it has been reported less commonly in the lower extremity. Green discoloration of bone has rarely been reported in the foot and ankle. Unlike other forms of hyperpigmentation of the skin and bone, this entity is benign when resulting from tetracycline therapy. It is always prudent to have a clinical correlate for an unusual discoloration or hyperpigmentation of any tissue when it exists. In the absence of a definitive clinical correlation, a biopsy is warranted. The following case studies provide a pictoral of green bone as it was encountered in the foot and ankle of 2 young adult females undergoing surgery.

Citations


❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antifungals

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Antifungals (ASM)

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Related Papers

The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official Publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Gerard J KerbleskiAdam Cornejo
Skin Appendage Disorders
Michelangelo La PlacaColombina Vincenzi
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
N R WaselA N Lin
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
J J Simons, A Morales
American Journal of Ophthalmology
G L Morrow, R L Abbott
© 2022 Meta ULC. All rights reserved