Small-angle X-ray diffraction analysis of the effect of fluoride on human bone apatite

Abstract

Small-angle X-ray diffraction studies were performed on a series of human rib samples containing varying amounts of fluoride. The results show that a rise in fluoride content was accompanied by a decrease in the area of the interface between the mineral apatite phase and the remaining bone tissue. Detailed analysis of the results suggest that this decrease can only be accomplished by an increase in the mean volume and concomitant decrease in the number of the apatite crystallites. Further considerations suggest that the improvement in “crystallinity” as measured by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, as reported in previous publications, can be accounted for entirely by this increase in crystallite size. Apparently these progressive changes in bone mineral can be tolerated by the individual without producing significant physiological consequences.