Question 1

how is osteomalacia diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Osteomalacia: Osteomalacia is abnormal bone formation leading to softening of the bones.  Abnormal bowing and increased fracture risk result.  It is usually, but not always, due to vit D deficiency.  There are multiple causes of vit D deficiency.  Diagnosis based on clinical history, blood and urine tests, and characteristic X-ray findings.  Sometimes bone biopsy may be necessary.

Question 2

how common is osteomalacia in young men?

Accepted Answer

Osteomalacia: Very rare in young caucasians! some ethnic people southeast asians more prone to it because of their vitamin d deficient diet or lack of sun exposure! rickets is seen in african countries.

Question 3

how much time does it take for osteomalacia to be treated?

Accepted Answer

Varies: It varies a lot based upon the underlying cause.  Some forms may be simply from a nutritional deficiency and may have a rapid response to nutritional supplementation; some forms may be from kidney disorders and may not have a simple treatment.

Question 4

can you tell me how long does it take for osteomalacia to be treated?

Accepted Answer

In my estimation, at: least it should be 6 months, so the bone turnover can occur. Once you have it, I believe you should be on the Vit D therapy for years and years, initially to replenish your bone stock and later to maintain it. It goes without saying the cause, if any could be identified, should be treated as well.

Question 5

can dexa scan detect osteomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Osteomalacia: No. A Dexa detects osteoporosis, or decreased amount of bone matrix. Osteomalacia is an abnormal type of bone, soft bones, abnormal building process. You can have both osteoporosis/malacia, so DEXA is still done in the workup to measure the amount of bone. Vit D deficiency, GI disorders that cause malabsorption, kidney disease, liver disease, certain drugs... all are part of the differential.

Question 6

is osteomalacia different from rickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: Normal bone growth and mineralization require adequate calcium and phosphate.  Rickets refers to  deficient mineralization at growth plates,  whereas osteomalacia refers to same deficiency at bony matrix.   They usually occur together, however, once growth plates have fused, only osteomalacia occurs.

Question 7

what population group face the highest risk for osteomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Osteomalacia: This is a bone disorder characterized by impaired bone mineralization and impaired growth usually seen in children leading to "bowed legs" and bone and muscle pain, stunted growth. Basic problem is vitamin d deficiency. There are several causes of vitamin d deficiency. Lack of sun shine being one of those!

Question 8

why are women who cover their skin be more prone to osteomalacia?

Accepted Answer

Vit d: Vit d from sun helps absorb calcium.

Question 9

is it possible to have osteoporosis & osteomalacia at simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: If an individual has osteoporosis and then develops severe vitamin d deficiency both disorders could be present in time.

Question 10

does osteomalacia cause cancer? please, need some answers?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all: Osteomalacia is weak bones due to calcium and vitamin-D deficiency  It is easy to control it with above medicines. it is entirely benign and does not cause Cancer.

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How is osteomalacia diagnosed?

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Can you tell me how long does it take for osteomalacia to be treated?

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Can dexa scan detect osteomalacia?

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Is osteomalacia different from rickets?

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What population group face the highest risk for osteomalacia?

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Why are women who cover their skin be more prone to osteomalacia?

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Is it possible to have osteoporosis & osteomalacia at simultaneously?

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Does osteomalacia cause cancer? please, need some answers?

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