Osteomalacia (Rickets)

• bone disease as a result from a deficiency in Vitamin D & phosphates
• in children, lack of calcification of epiphyseal plate leads to deformity, shortness of height
• in adults, lack of calcium results in “soft” bones susceptible to compression fractures
  

Causes of vitamin D deficiency:

• dietary deficiencies
• malabsorption
• lack of sun exposure
• renal disease