[The osteoporosis disease in menopausal women. Physiopathology and therapeutic impact].

Trabecular osteoporosis of spongy bone expresses itself clinically by spontaneous vertebral compression and fractures of the lower end of the radius. Its prevention relies on calcium therapy, physical exercise, vitamin D, and, in women, oestrogens. The most effective curative treatment relies on fluorine, at a dose of 40-60 mg sodium fluoride, in conjunction with calcium equivalent to 1 g element (not the calcium salt). Small doses of vitamin D are used. The treatment is without effect on cortical osteoporosis and thus cannot prevent fractures of the neck of the femur.