Osteomalacia

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What is Osteomalacia?

Osteomalacia is the adult counterpart of rickets in children. Both of these conditions are caused by a defect in vitamin D availability or metabolism. Osteomalacia is characterised by poor bone formation, resulting in weakened bone.

Who gets Osteomalacia?

Rickets and osteomalacia are bone diseases that occur worldwide; however, in developed countries they rarely occur as a result of dietary deficiency.

The incidence of osteomalacia is approximately 1 in 1000 people.

Predisposing Factors

Risk of osteomalacia is increased by:

Inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D, for instance due to lactose intolerance

Inadequate exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), which produces vitamin D in the body (increased risk in elderly people who are housebound)

Malabsorption of vitamin D by the intestines

Inherited or acquired disorders of vitamin D metabolism

Advanced renal disease

Phosphate depletion associated with low dietary intake of phosphates

Certain medications such as those used to treat epilepsy

Progression

In adults, the vitamin D deficiency results in abnormal bone formation, which is weaker than healthy bone. There is increased risk of fractures, which tend to affect the vertebral bodies in the spine and the neck of femur. If osteomalacia persists, it may result in lower density bone and subsequently osteoporosis.

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