The spectrum of radiographic bone changes in children with fluorosis.

Abstract

Painful, crippling deformities in Tanzanian children from an area of endemic fluorosis are reported. Excessive fluoride ingestion in pregnant women may possibly poison and alter enzyme and hormonal systems in the fetus causing disturbances in osteoid formation and mineralization. Knock-knees, bowlegs and saber shins develop when walking begins. Combinations of osteomalacia, osteoporosis and osteosclerosis result in a spectrum of bone changes from an early age. Male hormones and dietary and genetic deficiencies may aggravate individual response of actively growing bones. Some radiographic changes suggestive of rickets, hyperparathyroidism and thalassemia were observed.