Jornal de Trauma e Tratamento

Unusual Yellow Staining of the Knee Articular Bones

Abstract

Antonios T and Willis-Owen CA

We report on the unusual finding of yellow-stained bone during an elective knee arthroscopy for a 52 year old female complaining of worsening pain on mobility. The magnetic resonance scan (MRI) confirmed medial and lateral meniscal tears. During the procedure, marked dark yellow stains were seen in the tibia, femur and the patella bones. Partial meniscectomies were performed in the usual fashion. Retrospective history from the patient confirmed that she was subjected to Tetracycline antibiotics use for a considerable time during her childhood. We believe this striking finding is directly related to childhood use of tetracycline and that her skeleton is permanently yellow-stained.