What is osteomalacia?

To understand osteomalacia, it’s worth looking at what happens inside bones. Bone is a living tissue. Old bone cells are continuously being removed and replaced with new cells. This is called bone turnover. Bone has a hard outer shell, called the cortex.

What are the risks of osteomalacia?

The softened bones of children and young adults with osteomalacia can lead to bowing during growth, especially in weight-bearing bones of the legs. Osteomalacia in older adults can lead to fractures. Osteomalacia differs from the more-common condition of having a low vitamin D level.

What is looser’s zone osteomalacia?

Partial fractures linked with osteomalacia are called Looser’s zones (see diagram below) which can be very painful and make walking difficult. Occasionally, these cracks can lead to full breaks, known as complete fractures.

Is osteomalacia common in children?

Only adults have it. When the same thing happens in children, it’s called rickets. Osteomalacia is more common in women and often happens during pregnancy. It’s not the same as osteoporosis.

Osteomalacia refers to a marked softening of your bones, most often caused by severe vitamin D deficiency. The softened bones of children and young adults with osteomalacia can lead to bowing during growth, especially in weight-bearing bones of the legs.

Is there a cure for osteomalacia?

Osteomalacia is a preventable metabolic bone disorder. As most cases are related to vitamin D deficiency, it can usually be treated appropriately and be cured. If other clinical factors have contributed to the development of osteomalacia, then treatment will need to be tailored and adjusted as necessary.

How do you get osteomalacia?

You also can get it if your kidneys aren’t handling acids correctly. Over time, extra acid in your body fluids can slowly dissolve bone. It’s rare, but some people have a genetic condition that causes osteomalacia. If you have soft bones, you may have symptoms, including: People with osteomalacia may walk with a waddling, side-to-side stride.