Osteomalacia: Signs and Symptoms, and Causes

Question 1

Osteomalacia: Signs and Symptoms

Answer 1

Pain

Tenderness to touch

Bowing of the bones and pathologic fractures

On physical examination, skeletal deformities (spinal kyphosis and bowed legs)

Waddling or limping gait

Muscle weakness and unsteadiness

Question 2

Osteomalacia: Causes

Answer 2

Failed calcium absorption (malabsorption syndrome)

Excessive loss of calcium from the body

GI disorders
- Celiac disease
- Chronic biliary tract obstruction
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Small bowel resection

Liver and kidney diseases

Hyperparathyroidism

Prolonged use of anti-seizure medication
- Phenytoin
- Phenobarbital

Malnutrition deficiency in Vitamin D associated with
- Poverty
- Poor dietary habits
- Lack of knowledge about nutrition