Bone abnormalities

Question 1

What is osteogenesis imperfecta?

Answer 1

Collagen defect causing loss of flexibility + brittle bones

Question 2

What is Paget’s disease?

Answer 2

Rapid turnover due to overactive osteoclasts resulting in poor quality woven bone

Question 3

To assess the risk of fragility fractures, which scan and 2 tools can be used?

Answer 3

DXA scan

QFracture
FRAX

Question 4

What are the 2 bones normally scanned in a DXA scan?

Answer 4

Lumbar spine
Femoral neck

Question 5

A T-score value on a DXA scan at or below which value indicates osteoporosis?

Answer 5

-2.5 or less

Question 6

Which area of the bone is affected in rickets?

Answer 6

Epiphyseal growth plate

Question 7

Which area of the bone is affected in osteomalacia?

Answer 7

Osteoid

Question 8

What would you expect parathyroid levels to be like in rickets and osteomalacia?

Why?

Answer 8

Elevated

Usually due to vitamin D deficiency, leading to calcium deficiency. Increased bone resorption to release calcium into bloodstream