Trace metals and degenerative diseases of the skeleton

Aluminum related osteodystrophy is the most important manifestation of trace metal toxicity related to degenerative diseases of the skeleton. Aluminum overload occurs in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis treatment and results from transfer from dialysis solutions and from oral intake of aluminum containing phosphate binding gels. Laboratory diagnosis involves serum and bone analysis and bone staining for aluminum. A challenge test with desferrioxamine also aids in the diagnosis. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry is widely used for aluminum detection. Guidelines for toxic concentrations of aluminum have been established.