[Fluoride treatment: a good choice in osteoporosis]

Fluoride changes the composition of the hydroxyapatite crystal, reducing the solubility of the bone crystals. Fluoride also stimulates the production of DNA and new osteoblasts, which results in formation of new bone. The therapeutical range of fluoride is narrow. With monofluorophosphate in a dose of 76 mg twice daily positive effect on bone mass is obtained and measurement of serum fluoride concentration is unnecessary. For the treatment of osteoporosis the best result could be obtained with a combined treatment with monofluorophosphate, stimulating osteoblasts and production of new bone, and a bisphosphonate, which simultaneously inhibits osteoclasts and bone resorption. Using this combined treatment only few side effects and no lower extremity pain syndrome were observed. Patients > 65 years of age and younger patients showed similar positive effects on bone mass.