minocycline and Hallux-Valgus

Black bone disease has been recognised as a potential consequence of long-term treatment with tetracycline antibiotics. Largely documented affecting structures in the head and skull, there are few reported cases of black bone disease in the foot and ankle. The case of a 55 years old patient, who as a teenager, had undergone treatment with minocycline hydrochloride for chronic acne, and was found to have bone discolouration consistent with minocycline induced black bone disease (MIBBD) during the course of hallux valgus corrective surgery some 40 years later, is presented. In spite of the intraoperative findings, the patient's post-operative recovery and bone healing was uneventful. The literature on minocycline induced black bone disease is reviewed.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Diseases; Female; Hallux Valgus; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Middle Aged; Minocycline

Black bone disease is a rare manifestation of long term treatment with tetracyclines. We report the case of a patient who underwent surgery for bilateral hallux valgus and was found to have black discolouration of both first rays. This was subsequently related to previous long term Minocycline use. The unique features of this case relate to the location of the discolouration and the normal physical properties of the bone and soft tissues at surgery despite heavy pigmentation. Healing is now complete and follow-up at two years confirmed excellent clinical and radiological outcomes.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Diseases; Female; Hallux Valgus; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Incidental Findings; Metatarsal Bones; Middle Aged; Minocycline; Toe Phalanges