INTRAOSSEOUS SECONDARY CALCIUM SALT CRYSTAL DEPOSITION - AN ARTIFACT OF ACID DECALCIFICATION

We previously observed, in decalcificated bone specimens, intraosseous crystal deposits with morphological and analytical similarity to calc ium pyrophosphate dihydrate. We have now been able, by a combination o f more detailed morphological studies of these and similar cases, and by infrared spectroscopy in three cases, to show that this is, in fact deposition of the secondary calcium salts brushite and monetite, occu rring as an artefact during formic acid decalcification. Our earlier p ostulate of bone as an additional primary crystallization site for cal cium pyrophosphate dihydrate is effectively disproved. This artefact d eserves wider recognition.