RESUMO
Since 1961 sodium fluoride has been an alternative in the treatment of osteoporosis, although there is still some difference of opinion between endocrinologists regarding the effect on pain and occurrence of fracture of the vertebral column. Two cases are reported, both treated for postmenopausal osteoporosis with calcium, vitamin D and sodium fluoride for longer periods over many years, and with good effect on pain and tendency to lumbar vertebral body fracture. In both patients the diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis was delayed for several years, mainly because information about this treatment never reached the radiologist. When the diagnosis was eventually established after the radiologist himself had made inquiries to the referring physician, the patients had in the meanwhile undergone several unnecessary supplementary examinations because of suspected cancer metastasis.