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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffIn order to pinpoint the underlying cause of osteomalacia and to rule out other bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, you may undergo one or more of the following tests:
- Blood and urine tests. In cases of osteomalacia caused by vitamin D deficiency or by phosphorus loss, abnormal levels of vitamin D and the minerals calcium and phosphorus are often detected.
- X-ray. Slight cracks in your bones that are visible on X-rays, referred to as Looser transformation zones, are a characteristic feature of people with osteomalacia.
- Bone biopsy. During a bone biopsy, your doctor inserts a slender needle through your skin and into your bone to withdraw a small sample for viewing under a microscope. Although a bone biopsy is very accurate in detecting osteomalacia, it's not often needed to make the diagnosis.
References
- Osteomalacia. In: Firestein S, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/121322005-3/806510556/1807/697.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10092-0--s0200_3401. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Osteoporosis overview. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Menkes CJ. Clinical manifestations and etiology of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Metabolic and endocrinologic problems: Osteomalacia. In: Barker LR, et al. Principles of ambulatory medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2007:1444.
- Drezner MK. Osteomalacia and rickets. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/121322005-5/806576325/1492/956.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50270-6_12054. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Menkes CJ. Diagnosis and treatment of osteomalacia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
- Calcium and vitamin D: Important at every age. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Nutrition/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
