[Sodium fluoride in the therapy of osteoporosis].

Every form of osteoporosis--except the physiological involution osteoporosis--requires treatment. Osteoporosis is no disease by itself but a result or a concomitant phenomenon of various diseases. Therefore the primary disease has to be treated also. Only for the so-called idiopathic osteoporosis hitherto no cause is known. Today sodium fluoride is the only substance with an influence upon the bone which may induce re-ossification and re-stabilization. In the described series of investigations this compound, with which treatment by gradual dosage is possible, has proved its effectiveness. Osteoporosis is more than bone porosity, therefore additionally afflicted organic or functional system like the muscular apparatus, bone marrow, or the intraosseous blood supply, must be treated too. Psychological guidance of the patient is necessary as he must be motivated for activity.