Simple method for the simultaneous demonstration of formation and resorption in undecalcified bone embedded in methyl methacrylate

Abstract

A rapid method for processing mineralized bone biopsies with acrylic resin is described. The processing schedule is completed within 4 days, without the use of vacuum infiltration and using minimal amounts of reagent. Histological sections can be stained for selected features of bone, including acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase, in a combined histochemical procedure. This technique combines many favorable aspects from previously published methods into 1 reproducible procedure for the optimal preservation and demonstration of a number of histological entities in bone.