Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia

Write a short note on osteomalacia.
Answer:

Osteomalacia is the adult counterpart of rickets in which mineralization of the osteoid matrix fails.

Osteomalacia Etiology

• Dietary deficiency of vitamin D.
• Poor endogenous synthesis of vitamin D.
• Conditioned deficiency.

Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia Clinical Features

• Presence of vague bony pain.
• Muscular weakness.
• Fractures following mild trauma.
• Incomplete or green-stick fractures.
• Pseudofractures in weak places of bones.

Looser’s zones in osteomalacia

Osteomalacia Histopathology

• H&E stained tissue shows widened and thickened osteoid seams.
• There is decreased mineralization between osteoid and bones.
• Increased osteoclastic activity is also appreciated.
• Fibrosis of bone marrow is present.

Osteomalacia Biochemical Changes

• Normal or low serum calcium levels.
• Low plasma phosphate levels.
• Raised alkaline phosphatase levels.