Abstract

Skeletal fluorosis is well known, particularly in the spine, pelvis and forearm. However, the hand may also be involved. The authors report two cases of this site in endemic areas in Senegal, after ingestion of large amounts of fluoride in the water. Fluorosis consisted of deforming metacarpal and phalangeal osteoperiotitis in one case and peri-articular ossifications and calcifications of the attachments of the ligaments and capsule in the other case. They review the literature concerning skeletal fluorosis and discuss the rarity of hand involvement its clinical features and particularly its radiological features. Lastly, they emphasize the differential diagnosis with certain metabolic, infectious and neoplastic diseases.

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