Further observations on the relationship between the matrix and the calcifying fronts in osteosarcoma.

Human osteosarcoma biopsies were studied with the SEM using sequential etching with sodium hypochlorite solutions after removal of aluminium or gold coatings. Osteosarcomas differ from normal hard tissues in that the matrix never proceeds to complete mineralization, so that the specimens fragment on hypochlorite treatment. Details of the fibrillar pattern and calcospheritic type of mineralization pattern can be seen in hypochlorite etched, fractured surfaces and mineralizing fronts.