Green bone discoloration is primarily caused by the use of antibiotics in the tetracycline class, particularly minocycline.
Minocycline, more frequently prescribed for conditions like chronic acne, is well-known to stain bone a dark green color. Tetracycline itself can cause a fluorescent yellow staining. The frequent use of these antibiotics, especially minocycline, explains why green bone discoloration is a recognized phenomenon. The mechanism involves the binding of the drug to calcium orthophosphates in the bone matrix during bone formation, leading to the coloration.
