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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
[Cervical myelopathy revealing bone fluorosis]
M Younes1, I Mahmoud, M Ben Othman
1Service de rhumatologie, EPS Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir 5000, Tunisie. mohamed_youn@yahoo.fr
Revue Neurologique
|March 25, 2008
Summary
Bone fluorosis, a rare metabolic bone disease, can cause neurological issues like cervical myelopathy. This case highlights medullar compression from ligament calcification, emphasizing diagnosis via imaging and fluorine levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Bone fluorosis is a rare metabolic bone disease caused by excessive fluoride accumulation.
- Endemic occurrences are linked to phosphate mining regions, particularly in North Africa.
- Neurologic complications, though rare, can be the presenting feature of bone fluorosis.
Observation:
- A case of cervical myelopathy leading to tetraparesis is presented.
- Medullar compression resulted from calcification of the posterior vertebral ligament.
- Diagnosis relied on characteristic radiological findings and elevated serum and urine fluorine levels.
Findings:
- Cervical myelopathy secondary to bone fluorosis can cause significant neurological deficits.
- Posterior vertebral ligament calcification is a potential mechanism for medullar compression in fluorosis.
- Surgical decompression (cervical laminectomy) can alleviate pain but may not fully restore motor function.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering bone fluorosis in the differential diagnosis of cervical myelopathy, especially in endemic areas.
- Early diagnosis and intervention may be crucial for managing neurologic complications of bone fluorosis.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of neurologic manifestations of bone fluorosis is warranted.
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