X-RAY-ANALYSIS OF 80 PATIENTS WITH SEVERE ENDEMIC FLUOROSIS CAUSED BYCOAL BURNING

Radiographs of 80 patients with severe endemic fluorosis of coalburnin g type [CBEF] - 49 males and 31 females aged 30 to 70 years - were ana lysed to examine the changes to the bone substance, peripheral structu re of bone, and joints. The changes to bone substance were: 1) osteosc lerosis type, 62 cases (77.5%); 2) mixed type, 16 cases (21.25%); 3) o steoporosis type, one case (1.25%); 4) osteomalacia type, one case (1. 25%). The changes to the joints were: articular lesions were found in the hips and elbows in 79 cases (98.75%), and in the knees in 75 cases (93.75%). When combinations of the above three changes occur, the cla ssification of the disease is according to the most severe one of the three. Our findings can increase the accuracy of X-ray diagnosis, maki ng it more consistent with clinical diagnosis, thus improving preventi on and treatment of CBEF.