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Osteomalacia is also called adult rickets or osteomalacia is a disease caused by insufficient mineralization of both the spongy and compact parts. Insufficient accumulation of calcium s alts in the bone tissue leads to weakening of stiffness and bending of the bones due to loads.
When inbonesabnormally accumulating s altscalcium ,bone tissueweakens. We are then dealing withosteomalacia- as a consequence, there are permanent deformations within the bone tissue.
Osteomalacia - causes
The main causes of this disease include:
- deficiencies of active vitamin D metabolites (caused by low consumption of this vitamin or insufficient exposure to sunlight)
- Phosphate nutritional deficiencies
- calcium nutritional deficiencies
- certain diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver or conditions leading to the development of chronic kidney failure
Osteomalacia - symptoms
In the initial stage of the disease, the patient complains about:
- diffuse bone pain
- increased bone sensitivity to pressure stimuli
- muscle fatigue - difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position
- gait disturbance - the so-called "Duckling Walk", during which the patient sways from one side to the other
The advanced form may appear:
- permanent bone deformation, especially in the area of the lower limbs
- bone susceptibility to injuries and fractures
- tetany symptoms
Osteomalacia - diagnosis
Proper medical history, with particular emphasis on the coexistence of comorbidities, helps in the diagnosis of the disease. Additionally, radiological and laboratory tests are performed. Sometimes a bone biopsy is necessary. Serum laboratory tests show a reduction in calcium, low levels of phosphate and vitamin D, and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase.
Osteomalacia - treatment
In this disease, the first thing to do is to counteract the deficiency of vitamin D and phosphate. Oral administration of vitamin D is sometimes sufficient. If vitamin D deficiency is associated with its impaired absorptiongastrointestinal tract, the vitamin is administered intramuscularly. Phosphate deficiency is treated by increasing the consumption of milk and dairy products. Improvement occurs after a few weeks, and healing of osteomalacia takes place about half a year after starting treatment.
Osteomalacia - prognosis
If the disease is diagnosed promptly and treated, the prognosis is good. Advanced changes in bone tissue significantly worsen the prognosis, so if you suspect a disease (most symptoms appear), you should contact a specialist as soon as possible.