Enfermedades metabólicas óseas: osteomalacia

Abstract

The term osteomalacia traditionally refers to a characteristic skeletal disease that is documented radiologically or histologically, not just the clinical or biochemical abnormalities. Osteomalacia is currently defined as a mineralization defect in the recently formed bone matrix, leading to accumulation of osteoid. The principal causes of osteomalacia are a vitamin D disorder, renal phosphate loss, or uncommon causes related to a direct abnormality in the mineralization process.Osteomalacia causes greater bone fragility, with the appearance of spontaneous fissures or fractures. Although it is an uncommon entity, it should be suspected when faced with symptoms of diffuse osteoarticular pain. In very advanced forms, an X-ray will show biconcave vertebrae or long bone deformity with pseudofractures or Looser's zones. A transiliac crest bone biopsy with double tetracycline labeling and its histomorphometric evaluation is the most precise way of diagnosing osteomalacia. However, it is not usually performed in clinical practice as it is an invasive technique. Therefore, a diagnosis tends to be made based on a combination of clinical and laboratory data and radiological findings. The treatment is what is indicated for the underlying pathology that triggered the osteomalacia, although vitamin D supplementation may be considered the essential pillar of therapy.