Osteomalacia

Question 1

What is the definition of osteomalacia?

Answer 1

Metabolic bone disease characterised by incomplete mineralisation of the underlying mature osteoid following growth plate closure in adults

Question 2

What is the cause of osteomalacia?

Answer 2

Vit D deficiency

Question 3

What can cause a vit D deficiency?

Answer 3

Inadequate endogenous production of vit D3 in skin, malabsorption of vit D and calcium, CKD - mineral bone disorder

Question 4

What are the risk factors for osteomalacia?

Answer 4

Coeliac disease, lactose intolerance, lack of sunlight, kidney failure, liver disease

Question 5

How does osteomalacia present?

Answer 5

Pain in bones and joints, muscle pain and weakness, fractures, difficulty walking or change in gait

Question 6

What are the investigations for osteomalacia?

Answer 6

Serum calcium, serum vit D, serum phosphate, PTH, ALP

Question 7

What is the management of osteomalacia?

Answer 7

Correction of hypocalcaemia/vit D deficiency/hyperphosphataemia

Question 8

What are the complications of osteomalacia?

Answer 8

Pseudofractures, secondary hyperparathyroidism