The effect of total thyroidectomy on the recovery of bone mineral density in subjects with hyperthyroidism.

Background: Although hyperthyroidism is associated with high turnover osteopenia and its recovery after treatment, the extent of recovery with different forms of therapy remains controversial. This prospective study evaluated the bone mineral density in thyrotoxic subjects undergoing total thyroidectomy and I radioactive iodine therapy.

Methods: Newly diagnosed subjects with hyperthyroidism undergoing total thyroidectomy (group 1; n = 127) and I radioactive iodine therapy (group 2; n = 30) were evaluated for bone mineral density by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at the time of diagnosis (point A), on achieving euthyroidism with antithyroid drugs (point B), and 6 months after definitive treatment (point C).