"Skeletal Diseases"

Definition
Osteomalacia is softening of the bones, caused by not having enough vitamin D, or by problems with the metabolism (breakdown and use) of this vitamin. These softer bones have a normal amount of collagen that gives the bones its structure, but they are lacking in calcium.

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Definition
The number of patients who have bone and mineral disorders has increased in last period of time. This increase is a consequence of multiple factors including: the longer life span of our population, the increasing use of drugs detrimental to bone and kidney, and the availability of new technologies such as bone densitometry, which have made earlier diagnosis possible.

Mineral metabolism disorders are marked by abnormal levels of minerals — either too much or too little — in the blood.

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Rickets is the softening and weakening of bones in children, usually because of an extreme and prolonged vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is essential in promoting absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the gastrointestinal tract, which children need to build strong bones. A deficiency of vitamin D makes it difficult to maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels in your bones. (more…)

A hereditary bone disorder
Osteopetrosis is a congenital disorder (a person is born with it) in which the bones are dense, brittle and break easily.
Who is affected
Deppending of the form of osteopetrosia, both children and adults can be affected. It is difficult to estimate how often the different forms of osteopetrosis occur worldwide. (more…)

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a “cushion” between the bones of the joints. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Most cases of osteoarthritis have no known cause and are referred to as primary osteoarthritis.
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What is fibrous dysplasia?

Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic disorder in which bone expands due to abnormal development of fibrous tissue, often resulting in one, or more, of the following:

• uneven growth of bones
• pain
• brittle bones
• bone deformity

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