CERVICAL MYELOPATHY DUE TO OSSEOUS FLUORO SIS - REPORT OF A CASE

A case of osseous fluorosis in a 61-year-old man hospitalized for a si x-month history of slowly progressive cervical spinal cord compression is reported. Roentgenograms of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spi ne disclosed diffuse vertebral sclerosis, calcifications of the interv ertebral ligaments and disks, and posterior spinal osteophytosis. Calc ification of the tibiofibular membrane suggestive of fluorosis was see n on roentgenograms of the legs. Investigations found no evidence of r enal disease, parathyroid gland dysfunction, or malignant disease. Uri nary fluoride excretion was elevated (3.04 mg/24 h). Cervical computed tomography disclosed severe spinal cord compression due to posterior osteophytes. Decompressive surgery was followed by marked improvement. Osteophytosis, which mainly affects the cervical spine, is among the mechanisms responsible for the cervical myelopathy associated with flu orosis.