Sodium fluoride treatment of osteoporosis: radiologic findings

Abstract

Ten patients with osteoporosis were studied before and after treatment with fluoride. All 10 were white and 9 were women. The patients developed skeletal changes resembling fluoride intoxication. This included pronounced bone density with increased number and thickness of trabeculae, cortical thickening and partial obliteration of the medullary space. The use of fluoride in treating demineralizing bone diseases is spreading and radiologists should be alert to its effect on the skeleton.