Bone mineral density and surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism

The mineral density of bone was measured in 45 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before surgical treatment and during follow-up averaging 6.5 years, using the Am241 gamma transmission method. Statistically significant demineralization was found at the time of surgery. Removal of pathologic gland(s) was followed by healing of bone density during periods up to 4-5 years. Thereafter bone loss was again faster than in controls. The cause may be a persistent disturbance in the bone-remodelling process.