ENHANCED DETECTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PATHOLOGIES IN ATHLETES: APPLICATION OF MODIFIED LILLIE'S HEMATOXYLIN STAIN IN SPORTS-RELATED HISTOLOGY

Abstract

Objective: To enhance the precision of morphological diagnoses in sports-related injuries by improving the standard Lillie’s hematoxylin stain, facilitating more accurate detection of musculoskeletal pathologies in athletes. Methods: The traditional Lillie’s hematoxylin formulation was optimized by substituting ammonium alum with aluminum sulfate for mordanting, sodium iodate with potassium iodate for oxidation, and glycerol with ethylene glycol for antioxidation. This study assessed the impact of these modifications on the quality of nuclear staining in tissue sections, particularly focusing on musculoskeletal tissues common in athletic injuries. Results: The modified Lillie’s hematoxylin demonstrated superior staining quality, with increased rates of excellent and good staining outcomes. The modified stain also showed higher compliance rates with pathological diagnoses relevant to sports injuries, enhanced stability of the staining solution, and reduced occurrence of insoluble scum formation, leading to a greater number of satisfactorily stained sections. Additionally, the use of the modified stain resulted in lower costs. Conclusion: The modified Lillie’s hematoxylin stain provides a significant improvement over the traditional formulation, particularly in the context of sports pathology. This enhanced staining method offers clearer and more precise histological evaluations of musculoskeletal injuries, aiding in accurate diagnoses and potentially improving treatment outcomes and athlete recovery strategies. This improvement not only elevates the quality of pathological diagnostics but also supports more effective management of athlete health, emphasizing the importance of advanced histological techniques in sports medicine.