Rickets and Osteomalacia
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780190938178.003.0072
Chapter 72 discusses rickets and osteomalacia. Abnormal mineralization of bone is termed osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children and it may be caused by a variety of conditions in which there is a lack of available calcium or phosphorus for mineralization of osteoid. Radiographic findings of osteomalacia include osteopenia, bowing deformities, and pseudofractures, whereas findings of rickets include additional radiographic abnormalities of the growth plates. Diagnosis of osteomalacia and rickets often involve blood analysis, imaging findings, and identification of the specific underlying cause. Radiography is the most useful imaging modality in the diagnosis and evaluation of these conditions. Treatment of osteomalacia and rickets depends on the underlying cause.
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