The spectrum of radiographic bone changes in children with fluorosis.

Painful, crippling deformities in Tanzanian children from an area of endemic fluorosis are reported. Excessive fluoride ingestion in pregnant women may possibly poison and alter enzyme and hormonal systems in the fetus causing disturbances to osteoid formation and mineralization. Knock-knees, bowlegs, and saber shins develop when walking begins. Combinations of osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and osteosclerosis result in a spectrum of bone changes from an early age. Male hormones, and dietary and genetic deficiencies may aggravate individual response of actively growing bones. Some radiographic changes suggestive of rickets, hyperparathyroidism and thalassemia were observed.