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Rickets
Alternative Names: Osteomalacia in children; Vitamin D deficiency; Renal rickets Symptoms: Bone pain or tenderness Arms Legs Spine Pelvis Skeletal deformities Bowlegs Forward projection of the breastbone (pigeon chest) Bumps in the rib cage (rachitic rosary) Asymmetrical or odd-shaped skull Spine deformities (spine curves abnormally, including scoliosis or kyphosis) Pelvic deformities Increased tendency toward bone fractures Dental deformities Delayed formation of teeth Defects in the structure of teeth, holes in the enamel Increased incidence of cavities in the teeth (dental caries) Progressive weakness Decreased muscle tone (loss of muscle strength) Muscle cramps Impaired growth Short stature (adults less than 5 feet tall) Signs and tests: A musculoskeletal examination reveals tenderness or pain of the bone itself, rather than in the joints or muscles. Text Continues Below Calcium levels may be low. Tetany (prolonged muscle spasm) may occur if serum levels of calcium are low. Chvostek's sign may be positive (a spasm of facial muscles occurs when the facial nerve is tapped) indicating low serum levels of calcium. Serum calcium will confirm calcium levels. Serum phosphorus may be low. Serum alkaline phosphatase may be high. Arterial blood gases may reveal metabolic acidosis. Bone x-rays may show decalcification or changes in the shape or structure of the bones. A bone biopsy is rarely performed but will confirm rickets. Other tests and procedures include the following: PTH Urine calcium Calcium (ionized) ALP (alkaline phosphatase) isoenzyme Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>