A Technique for the Simultaneous Staining of Osteocytes and Osteons in Frozen Sections of Decalcified Bone

Numerous methods have been used to demonstrate the canaliculi and lamellar structure of bone. The classical ground section of undecalcified bone, besides wasting tissue, requires a long time to prepare. We have found consistent demonstration of canaliculi in decalcified bone by the Giemsa ánd picro-thionine techniques (Schmorl 1934) difficult because of variations in dye quality. Still another method (Christie 1977) used to demonstrate canaliculi in decalcified bone entails long impregnation in 20% silver nitrate and special handling. None of these techniques delineates osteons and osteocytes clearly. The simple technique we are reporting here has worked consistently in our laboratory.