Metabolic Bone Diseases

Overview

Metabolic bone diseases result from systemic derangements of the minerals essential for bone formation, principally calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D.

Key Pathologies

• Osteoporosis: Reduced overall bone mass with entirely normal mineralization chemistry.
• Osteomalacia / Rickets: Entirely abnormal mineralization of the osteoid matrix due to Vitamin D or phosphate deficiency. Characterized by incredibly soft bones that visibly bow under weight.

Radiology of Rickets