[Densitometric bone mineral analysis in the radial metaphysis and its use in assessing fluoride changes]

Theoretical foundations and practical application of densitometric bone mineral analysis is presented. The radiographs of forearm and aluminum wedge were compared. Bone mineral content (BMC) was calculated on the basis of densitometric measurements as well as bone and soft tissue thickness evaluation. The method error determined on the basis of tests is 4.89%. The measurements were taken in 754 fluoride exposed workers and in the control group of 60. A distinctive decrease of BMC with age was found in both groups. In older fluoride exposed workers this process was slowed down. Minor increase of BMC was found in workers exposed to fluoride to the higher degree.