Osteomalacia is a bone condition caused by vitamin D deficiency or impaired mineralization. It results in soft, weakened bones due to incomplete mineralization of bone matrix. Symptoms include bone pain, tenderness, fractures, and muscle weakness. Diagnosis involves x-rays showing pseudofractures and bone biopsy showing excess osteoid tissue. Treatment focuses on calcium and vitamin D supplementation to promote bone mineralization. Nursing care includes education on diet, sunlight exposure, pain management, and monitoring for treatment effectiveness.

1. Osteomalacia
Prepare by: RN Arpana Bhusal
BNS

2. Osteomalacia
• Osteomalacia is a generalized bone condition in which inadequate
mineralization of bone matrix result from a calcium or phosphate deficiency
or both.
• It is softening of the bones due to a lack of vitaminD or a problem with the
body's ability to breakdown and use this vitamin.
• characterized by incomplete mineralization of normal osteoid tissue
following closure of the growth plates.
• When the newly formed bone content is demineralize, the bony substance is
replaced by soft osteoid tissue osteomalacia occurs, and this happens in all
ages.

3. Osteoids
• Bone matrix primarily composed of type I collagen.
• It does not mineralize properly when there insufficient minerals or
osteoblast dysfunction.
• When the newly formed bone of the growth plate does not
mineralize, the growth plate becomes thick, wide and irregular and
cause rickets in children.
• When the remodeled bone does not mineralize, osteomalacia occurs.

4. Causes:
• Insufficient calcium absorption from the intestine—lack of
calcium or resistance to the action of vitammin D
• Increased renal phosphorus level
• Under nutrition during pregnancy
• Malabsorption Syndrome
• Partial Gastrectomy

5. Risk factors:
• Dietary deficiency (dietary, sunlight)
• Sunlight exposure inadequate
• Malabsorption- celiac disease, chronic biliary tract obstruction,
small bowel resection
• Severe renal insufficiency, liver disease
• Prolonged anticonvulsant therapy

6. Pathogenic Mechanism
• Deficiency of activated vitamin D- promotes calcium absorption from
GIT and facilitate demineralization of bone.
• Low extracellular supply of calcium and phosphate and doesnot
move calcification sites I bone.
• Failed calcium absorption or from excessissive loss of calcium from
the body.
• Chronic billiary tract obstruction, pancreatitis lead to fat inadequately
absorbed and lead to loss of vitamin D and calcium excreted with
fatty acid.
• Liver & Kidney disease lead to lack of Vitamin D and doesnot covert
In activated form.
• Hyperparathyroidism leads to skeletal decalcification and thus to
osteomalacia by increasing excretion of phosphate.

7. Pathophysiology:
Lack of one or more of the factors necessary
for osteogenesis
Defective bone mineralization
Osteomalacia

8. Clinical manifestations:
• Bone pain, tenderness and fracture
• Muscle weakness, waddling(unusual) or limping gait
• Difficulty in climbing up and down stairs.
• Tetany may manifest as a carpopedal spasm and facial twitching
• Kyphosis, rib deformities
• Marked bowing of the tibia and femurs
• Delayed healing or poor retention of internal fixation devices

9. Diagnosis:
• X-ray- transverse line or pseudofractures (Looser’s Zone i.e
pseudo fracture at the stress point common at pubic ramii, axillary
boarder of scapula, ribs, medial cortex of the neck of femur).
• Bone biopsy (Excess uncalcified osteoid)
• Laboratory test- urine, blood ( Low Calcium,Low Phosphate,
Alkaline phosphatase high)

10. Treatment of osteomalacia:
Treatmment depends on causes, signs and symtoms
• Exercise
• Calcium and vitamin D(400 IU daily) suppliment
• Regular Blood test
Sources of Vit. D
 Sunlight: 15 min. a day is sufficient or alternatively, 5-15 min to sun
exposure at least twice weekly.
 Food: Vitamin fortified food products like Milk, orange Juice and cereals,
fatty fish, egg yolk, liver.

11. Recommended Vit.D
Age Male Female
0-12 months 400 IU (10mcg) 400 IU (10mcg)
1-13 years 600 IU (15mcg) 600 IU (15mcg)
14-18 years 600 IU (15mcg) 600 IU (15mcg)
19-50 years 600 IU (15mcg) 600 IU (15mcg)
51-70 years 600 IU (15mcg) 600 IU (15mcg)
More than 70 years 800 IU (20mcg) 800 IU (20mcg)

12. Prognosis
• Improvement can be seen within a few weeks in some people with
vitamin deficiency disorders.
• Complete healing with treatment takes place in 6 months.
Prevention
• Diet rich in Vitamin D
• Get sunlight

13. Nursing management:
1. Describe disease process and treatment regimen
– Describe specific factors contributing to disease process
– Consumes therapeutic amounts of calcium and vitamin D
– Exposes self to sunlight
– Monitors serum calcium level regularly
– Keeps follow-up visit routinely and as necessary
2. . Relieve pain-physical, psychologic and pharmaceutical measures
– Handle gently while assisting patient and avoid unnecessary and
frequent movement
– Advice or use a convoluted foam mattress and soft pillow
– Use diversional activities
– Provide analgesic according to prescription
– Monitor effects of interventions/pain relief

14. Food sources of Vit D
1 Sources IU /serving
2 Egg 1 large (Yolk) 41
3 Cereals 0.75-1 cup 40
4 Milk non fat 1 cup 115-124
5 Yogurt (6ounce) 80
6 Orange juice 1 cup 137
7 Tuna fish canned in water, drained 3 ounce 154