Assessment of Biochemical, Orthopedic and Neurological Complications during the Management of Skeletal Fluorosis

Aim: This study was undertaken to formulate prescription and treatment guidelines both operative and non-operative for the flourosis affected individuals. A note on the surgical management and its complications were reviewed. Background: flourosis is still a common problem encountered in several villages in our district and taluk. Treating them poses a challenge in view of altered biochemical and metabolic parameters. My study aims at highlighting the possible biochemical anamolies to be kept in mind before treating them. Materials and methods: We followed a group of 22 patients who presented to us in our OPD and emergency departments of our hospital. 8 of them came for trauma and the rest with musculoskeletal and neurological complaints. Informed and written consent was taken before recording the data. Other causes of sclerosis like pagets and secondaries were excluded from the study. Clinical and radiological and biochemical analysis were performed. Patients with diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled hypertension were excluded from the study. Results: Anaemia leucopenia renal insufficiency were encountered in patients. Pathological fractures bowing of long bones were seen. Cervical and lumbar spinal canal stenosis was encountered with neurogenic claudication. Conclusion: Careful prescription of analgesics avoiding nephrotoxic medication is the key in the management. Early diagnosis by BMD X ray and biochemical parameters helps to avoid locomotor disabilities.