Single-dose tetracycline labeling for bone histomorphometry.

A single oral dose of tetracycline deposits in bone and is readily identified with fluorescence microscopy. Two such time-spaced labels can be used to determine bone dynamic features. This is as accurate as conventional three-day labeling periods. The simplicity, improved compliance, and substantial reduction in time it takes to prepare a patient for bone biopsy all appear to be advantageous when compared with current recommendations.