SummaryA review of metabolic bone diseases is given based on personnel experience. Part one deals with radiological aspects. Morphological aspects rather than subjective appreciation of density is emphasized. Results obtained in cases suffering from osteoporosis are reported, compared to normal values matched for age and sex. The techniques used were : radiogrammetry of cortical bone at the hand skeleton, trabecular pattern at the femoral neck and photon absorption technique for the estimation of mineral content.In part two clinical tests commonly used in the exploration of metabolic bone diseases are summarized. In addition to biochemical tests the usefullness of histology and kinetic studies are given.In part three a comparative study of biochemical exploration of 93 metabolic bone diseases is reported.The following diseases were studied : osteoporosis, osteomalacia, myeloma, hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease and acromegaly.In young male patients with osteoporosis some characteristics suggesting hyperparathyroidism were found.The effect of anticonvulsive drugs on serum calcium, phosphor, alkaline phosphatase and bicarbonate in 80 epileptics is reported. Significant changes have been found, indicating a disturbance in vitamin D metabolism.Recent advances in therapy for osteoporosis, osteomalacia and Paget’s disease in connection with recent physiopathological knowledge of these diseases are reported in part four.