Osteomalacia & Rickets Flashcards
What do osteomalacia and rickets describe?
Inadequate mineralisation of the bone matrix in spongy and compact bone
Characterised by decalcification and hence softening of bone, especially in the spine, pelvis, and legs.
What is the primary characteristic of osteomalacia and rickets?
Decalcification and softening of bone
This condition is particularly observed in the spine, pelvis, and legs.
At what stage does rickets occur?
Prior to epiphyseal plate closure (before 18 years)
The condition affects the hyaline cartilage plate.
What does the prefix ‘osteo-‘ refer to?
Bone
What does the suffix ‘-malacia’ mean?
‘Softening’
When does osteomalacia typically occur?
As an adolescent or adult
What is the primary cause of osteomalacia and rickets?
Vitamin D deficiency
This deficiency can result from insufficient sunlight, inadequate dietary vitamin D, malabsorption disorders, or reduced receptor sites for vitamin D in tissues.
Name a potential consequence of vitamin D deficiency.
Deformed bones (bowed legs) and possible fractures
These deformities can lead to significant mobility issues and pain.
What are common signs and symptoms of osteomalacia and rickets?
- Severe back pain
- Muscle weakness
- Delayed closure of fontanelles
- Skull softening in rickets
These symptoms indicate significant health issues related to bone development.
Fill in the blank: Osteomalacia and rickets can result from _______.
[Vitamin D deficiency]
True or False: Insufficient dietary vitamin D is a potential cause of osteomalacia.
True
What skeletal deformity is commonly associated with rickets?
Bowed legs
This condition is a result of weakened bones due to vitamin D deficiency.
What symptom is specifically noted in rickets but not typically in osteomalacia?
Delayed closure of fontanelles
This is a specific sign of rickets indicating abnormal bone development in children.
List two factors that can lead to secondary vitamin D deficiency.
- Malabsorption disorders
- Reduced receptor sites for vitamin D in tissues
These factors can hinder the body’s ability to utilize vitamin D effectively.
