Osteomalacia

BY DIANA ZARATE

What is Osteomalacia?

Osteomalacia is softening of the bones. It occurs because of a lack of

vitamin D or a problem with the bodys to break down and use this
vitamin which helps your body absorb calcium. Your body need calcium
to maintain the strenght and hardness of your bones.

What is Vitamin D ?

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps you absorb calcium in

your stomach. Vitamin D also helps maintain calcium and phosphate
levels for proper bone formation.

Symptoms

People may experience bone pain and mucle weakness

Osteomalacia most commonly affects the lower backs, pelvis, hips

,legs, and ribs

The pain may be worse at night, or when you're putting weight on

affected bones.

Bone fractures that happen without a real injury

Causes

Your body uses calcium and phosphate to build strong bones.

Osteomalacia may occur if you don't get enough of these minerals in
your diet or if your body doesn't absorb them properly.

These may be caused by :

Vitamin D deficiency.

Certain surgeries.

Kidney or liver disorders

Drugs.

Test and Diagnosis

Blood and Urine Test

abnormal levels of vitamin D and the minerals calcium and phosphorus are often
detected.

X-ray

Slight cracks in your bones that are visible on X-rays called Looser transformation
zones

Bone biopsy

During a bone biopsy, the doctor inserts a slender needle through the skin and into
the bone to withdraw a small sample for viewing under a microscope. This procedure
is done after using a local anesthetic and takes only about a half-hour. Bone biopsy is
very accurate in detecting osteomalacia, it's not often needed to make the diagnosis.

Treatments

treatment can be as simple as taking oral supplements of vitamin D,

calcium, or phosphate.

Patients may also be asked to spend some time outdoors in sunlight for
your body to make sufficient vitamin D within your skin.

Complications

Symptoms can return if sufficient vitamin D isnt available. Theyll also

return if you stop taking supplements or if you have bad health
conditions like kidney failure that arent treated.

Long Term effects

If its left untreated osteomalacia may lead to many broken bones and
severe deformity.