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Title: Skeletal fluorosis: roentgenological and histopathological study

Journal Article · · Fluoride; (United States)
OSTI ID:5089966

Detailed radiological and morphometrical studies have been reported in 100 patients of proven endemic skeletal fluorosis all of whom were symptomatic. Though the radiological features such as osteopetrosis, periosteal bone formation, osteophytosis and calcification of the interosseous membrane and ligaments remain the mainstay in the diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis, in increasing instances radiological findings have been variable and uncommon suggesting the presence of other metabolic bone disease. Morphometrical measurements of the iliac crest biopsies revealed osteoclastic resorption of the trabecular bone, increased numbers of resorption lacunae, periosteocytic osteolysis and increased osteoid covered surfaces. The calcification front had a normal distribution except in four patients with associated osteomalacia. Findings were similar in children suffering from endemic fluorosis. These studies suggest that the stabilizing effect of fluoride on bone due to the conversion of hydroxyapatite to fluorapatite produces a compensatory hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. Thus, the possibility of a beneficial effect of fluoride in osteoporosis has been challenged in the light of this parathyroid compensation.

Research Organization:
Medical College, Meerut, India
OSTI ID:
5089966
Journal Information:
Fluoride; (United States), Vol. 9:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English