Bone Lesions Case 5 Background

Rickets or Osteomalacia can occur when bone mineralization is inadequate from deficient amounts or utilization of vitamin D, calcium and phosphate. Rickets is the failure of growth plate mineralization in pediatrics, while Osteomalacia is deficient mineralization of the bone matrix primarily in adults.

Most cases of Rickets are caused by deficiency in calcium or vitamin D. Rarely, hypophosphatemic rickets can occur with renal disorders such as Fanconi syndrome. These deficiencies result in decreased bone mineralization and formation with a compensatory increase in growth plate cartilage. The bone will widen to make up for being weaker.