Clinical Correlates

Question 0

What is Rickets?

Answer 0

Children’s bones are inadequately mineralized causing softened, weakened bones.
Signs: bowed legs and deformities of the pelvis, skull, and rib cage.
Caused by insufficient absorption of calcium and/or vit. D or K2 deficiency.

Question 1

What is osteomalacia?

Answer 1

Adult bones are inadequately mineralized causing softened, weakened bones.
Pain when weight is put on the affected bone.
Caused by insufficient absorption of calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency.

Question 2

What is osteogenesis imperfecta?

Answer 2

Bone matrix contains inadequate collagen (low tensile strength) and bones fracture easily.
Genetic and often present at birth, resulting in multiple (often fatal) fractures as infant descends the birth canal.

Question 3

What is osteoporosis?

Answer 3

Group of diseases in which bone reabsorption out spaces bone deposition.
Bone becomes so fragile.
Spongy bone of the spine is most vulnerable.
Occurs most often in postmenopausal women (estrogen retains osteoclasts).

Question 4

What are some ideas for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis?

Answer 4

Calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 supplements.
Increased weight-bearing exercises.
Hormone replacement therapy (slows bone loss but doesn’t replace it).
Dark green leafy veg, seeds, nuts, and sardines (with bones).

Question 5

What is Paget’s disease

Answer 5

Characterized by excessive and inconsistent bone formation and breakdown.
Has excessively high ratio of spongy to compact bone.
Patches of reduced mineralization, causing spotty weakening of bone.
Osteoclasts activity decreases, osteoblasts activity increases leaving regions of excessive bone thickening.
Some control with calcitonin inhaler.