Health Encyclopedia

Osteomalacia

Definition

Osteomalacia is softening of the bones, caused by not having enough vitamin D, or by problems with the metabolism (breakdown and use) of this vitamin. These softer bones have a normal amount of collagen that gives the bones its structure, but they are lacking in calcium.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

There are numerous causes of osteomalacia. In children, the condition is called rickets and is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D.

Conditions that may lead to osteomalacia include:

Not enough vitamin D in the diet
Not enough exposure to sunlight, which produces vitamin D in the body
Malabsorption of vitamin D by the intestines

Other conditions that may cause osteomalacia include:

Hereditary or acquired disorders of vitamin D metabolism
Kidney failure and acidosis
Phosphate depletion associated with not enough phosphates in the diet
Cancer
Side effects of medications used to treat seizures
Liver disease

Use of very strong sunscreen, limited exposure of the body to sunlight, short days of sunlight, and smog are factors that reduce formation of vitamin D in the body.

Risk factors for osteomalacia are related to the causes. In the elderly, there is an increased risk among people who tend to remain indoors and those who avoid milk because of lactose intolerance.

Symptoms

Diffuse (not pinpointed to one location) bone pain, especially in the hips
Muscle weakness
Bone fractures that happen with very little trauma

Symptoms associated with low calcium including:

Numbness around the mouth
Numbness of extremities
Spasms of hands or feet
Abnormal heart rhythms

Signs and tests

Bone biopsy shows osteomalacia.
Serum vitamin D level may be low.
Serum calcium levels vary with the cause of the disorder.
Serum phosphate levels vary with the cause of the disorder.
Bone x-ray may show features of osteomalacia (such as bowing of the legs or “pseudofractures").
Bone mineral density scan (DEXA) may show reduced bone density, a sign of weaker bones.

Other tests may be done to determine if there is a renal problem or any other underlying disorder. These tests include:

Treatment

Oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus may be given depending on the underlying cause of the disorder. Larger doses of vitamin D and calcium may be needed for people with intestinal malabsorption.

Monitoring the blood levels of phosphorus and calcium may be needed for people with certain underlying conditions.

Expectations (prognosis)

Improvement in the condition of the bones, shown by bone X-rays, can be seen within a few weeks in some people with vitamin deficiency disorders. Complete healing with treatment takes place in 6 months.

Complications

Return of symptoms is a possible complication.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteomalacia, or if you think that you may be at risk for this disorder.

Prevention

Adults can prevent osteomalacia resulting from vitamin D deficiency by eating enough dairy products that have extra vitamin D, and getting enough sunlight.

Review Date:8/8/2006
Reviewed By:Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network

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