[Physiology and main implications of magnesium in osteo-articular pathology].

The role of magnesium in the constitution, metabolism and hormonal control of bone tissue can be deducted from what is known of its physiology. Magnesium deficiency may result in vitamin-D resistant hypocalcaemia or even biochemical signs of hypoparathyroidism, which only regress after the deficiency is corrected. Measurements of magnesium levels in blood and urine are justified when such abnormalities occur in patients with digestive disorders, predominantly alcoholism, liver diseases or malabsorption. In all other circumstances, magnesium therapy is very rarely indicated for osteo-articular diseases.