Bone fluorescence and fluorescence-guided debridement in orthopaedic surgery: Current evidence and practice

Abstract

Introduction: The present manuscript discusses the basic science of bone fluorescence and the surgical debridement of chronic osteomyelitis under fluorescence-guidance. The fluorescence of bone occurs through a two-fold mechanism: natural fluorescence of collagen peptides within healthy bone and tetracycline bone labeling. Objective: The manuscript addresses mechanisms for natural bone fluorescence, enhancing fluorescence via tetracycline labeling, as well as a brief description of applications to orthopaedic surgery. Conclusion: This review provides the most recent literature on the topic and describes the practical implications on modern surgery techniques.

Keywords

• Bone
• Fluorescence
• Doxycycline
• Osteomyelitis
• Bone labeling
• Collagen