This paper describes the study of bone rarefaction in 37 patients with low back pain, bone fracture and dental rarefaction after gastrectomy. Our investigations included laboratory tests and radiological measurements of bone mineral content.
Serum calcium and phosphate levels were maintained within normal range but alkaline phosphatase was elevated in 8 patients and the level was a good correlation with the degree of bone rarefaction. PTH was impaired in 14 patients and was just below the normal range in 12 patients.
Vertebral compression fractures were present 19.5% in males, and 21.1% in females. Bone mineral content was severely decreased in 3 patients and was slightly or moderately decreased in 23 patients, but was normal in 11 patients. Bone rarefaction after gastrectomy was assessed in 26 patients and was attributed to low turn-over osteoporosis.