[Therapeutic effect of low-fluorine drinking water on fluorosis of bone].

ABSTRACT

495 clinical cases and 25 radiographic cases of fluorosis of bone diagnosed six years ago in an endemic area showed satisfactory results after six years' treatment with low-fluorine drinking water. Among these, 140 have been completely cured, 105 have gained marked clinical improvement and 172 have gained moderate improvement; the cure rate being 49.49% and the effective rate, 84.84%. Of the 25 X-ray diagnosed cases, 15 showed marked improvement. Radiographic examination has revealed reappearance of evenly distributed fine bone trabeculae. Two cases of grade III osteosclerosis have turned to grade II; 4 to grade I; 8 cases of grade II have turned to grade I; 1 case of grade I has become normal. The results demonstrate that fluorosis of bone is reversible.