Abstract

Objective: To probe into the significance of osteosis of the junctions of ligaments and tendons around elbow joints for the diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis. Methods: Analyses were conducted on X-ray signs of elbow joints in 23 cases with skeletal fluorosis and fluoridated elbow joints identified in March 2011 in an investigation of populations living in coal-burning-associated endemic fluorosis region(s).

Results: [The analyses revealed] seven cases with osteosis of the site over condylus medialis humeri for attachment of tendons, seven cases with osteosis of the site over condylus lateralis humeri for attachment of tendons, six cases with osteosis of annular ligament of radial head, 18 cases with narrowed elbow joint space, 10 cases with gross or dense changes in trabecula under elbow joint surface, four cases with osseous cystic change under elbow joint surface, four cases with osteophyte formation over trochlear lateral bone crest, eight cases with osteophyte formation in the inner margin of humero-ulnar joint, and three cases with osteophyte formation in the surface opposite to upper radio-ulnar joint.

Conclusion: The pathognomonic signs of fluoride-associated arthropathy include osteosis of annular ligament of radial head as well as osteosis of the sites over condylus medialis humeri and condylus lateralis humeri for attachment of flexor and extensor tendons, thus they are of major significance for the diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis.

Translated by Trans-Perfect Translations (2014).

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