Osteomalacia

Question 1

What is osteomalacia?

Answer 1

Deficiency in vitamin D leads to softening & weakening of bones.

Question 2

Clinical features of osteomalacia?

Answer 2

1) Bone pain

2) Muscle weakness

3) Joint pain

4) Fractures

Question 3

Describe muscle weakness in osteomalacia

Answer 3

Proximal muscle weakness affecting the lower limbs may lead to difficulty in climbing stairs, rising from a seated position or walking.

Question 4

What are some skeletal deformities that may be seen in osteomalacia?

Answer 4

1) Bowing deformities e.g. femur & tibia

2) Spinal deformities e.g. kyphosis or scoliosis (due to vertebral compression fracures)

Question 5

Neurological manifestations of osteomalacia?

Answer 5

Due to hypocalcaemia:

1) Paraesthesia

2) Tetany e.g. Chvostek’s sign, or Trousseau’s sign

Question 6

What is Chvostek’s sign?

Answer 6

Facial muscle twitching

Question 7

What is Trousseau’s sign?

Answer 7

Carpopedal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff

Question 8

What gait may be seen in osteomalacia?

Answer 8

Waddling gait –> proximal myopathy

Question 9

If a patient