RADIOGRAPHY OF RICKETS AND OSTEOMALACIA

Question 1

Osteomalacia equals?

Answer 1

result of Vit. D. deficiency resulting in incomplete mineralization of normal osteoid tissue. Has
qualitative efect.

Question 2

Explain the etiology of Osteomalacia syndromes

Answer 2

Patient has some condition that leads to diminished vitamin absorption leading to softening of bone & eventual pseudo-fracture.

Question 3

What are the common radiographic findings in osteomalacia?

What is more specific for osteomalacia?

Answer 3

Non-specific generalized osteopenia; Looser’s zone.

Question 4

How do you distinguish osteomalacia from osteoporosis?

Answer 4

Both have non-specific osteopenia

Both have coarsened tabeculae. (But in osteomalacia, they are indistinct)

Question 5

What are “Looser’s Zones”?

Answer 5

Psuedofractures, “milkman’s fractures” (specific for osteomalacia when present)

Question 6

Explain Looser’s zones.

Answer 6

Linear areas of under-mineralization

Occur in the compressive side of bone

Classically bilateral & symmetric

Question 7

Looser’s zones appear in both osteomalacia & Paget’s dz. How do you distinguish between them?

Answer 7

Osteomalacia = see zones on compressive sides of bone

Paget’s disease = see zones on the tensile sides of bone

Question 8

What are the complications of osteomalacia?

Answer 8

Fractures/pseudo-fractures

Bowing deformities of long bones

Vertebral deformities