Osteomalacia

Definition:

A softening of the bones in adults caused by a failure of the normal calcification (calcium deposits).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are numerous causes of osteomalacia. In children, the condition is called rickets and is usually caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. Conditions that may result in osteomalacia include inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D, inadequate exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), which forms vitamin D in the body, and malabsorption of vitamin D by the intestine. Other conditions include hereditary or acquired disorders of vitamin D metabolism, kidney failure and acidosis, phosphate depletion associated with low dietary intake or kidney disease, and side effects of medications used to treat seizures. Risk factors are related to the causes. In the elderly, there is an increased risk for those who tend to remain indoors and who avoid milk because of lactose intolerance.

The incidence is 1 in 1000 people.