Osteomalacia is a condition in which the bones become soft and weak due to a defect in the bone-building process. In children, this condition is called rickets. It most commonly results from vitamin D deficiency, which impairs the absorption of calcium and phosphate needed for bone mineralization. Unlike osteoporosis (loss of already mineralized bone), osteomalacia is a failure to mineralize new bone.
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Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Osteomalacia (Rickets in Adults). This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.
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Exact prevalence unknown; vitamin D deficiency (the main cause) affects approximately 1 billion people worldwide.
Verified medical information source from NIAMS.
Visit NIAMS ReferenceAvascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis, is bone death caused by reduced blood flow to the bone. When blood doesn't reach bone tissue, the bone begins to die and may eventually collapse. The hip is the most commonly affected joint, but avascular necrosis can also occur in the knee, shoulder, ankle, and wrist.
Bone DiseaseOsteopenia refers to bone mineral density that is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. People with osteopenia have weaker bones than normal and are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures. Osteopenia is a warning sign that action should be taken to improve bone health.
Bone DiseaseOsteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or, in serious cases, from minor bumps or even from sneezing. Osteoporosis means 'porous bone.' It is the most common reason for a broken bone among older adults.