Osteomalacia is a disease of adults resulting from a failure to mineralize bone matrix. In children this disease is called rickets. In osteomalacia, calcium levels tend to fall, followed by a decrease in phosphorus levels. Inadequate levels of these elements account for the failure to mineralize bone matrix. In mild cases of osteomalacia, X rays may show little or no changes in the bone, while in severe cases the bones lack fine structural details, and usually appearing as incomplete and apparently unhealed fractures, this is seen particularly in the pelvis, weight-bearing long bones, and the ribs.

Bone construction: Bone construction begins with a base composed of collagen, a fibrous connective tissue. As bone is formed, collagen fibers stick to each other in a crisscross pattern (matrix). Then minerals, including calcium, are incorporated into the matrix in a process called mineralization. The strength of new bone depends on the amount of minerals incorporated into the matrix: So the more minerals built into the matrix, the stronger the bone.

Difference of Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis: Osteomalacia results from a defect in the bone-building process, while osteoporosis develops due to a weakening of previously constructed bone.

Causes:

• Insufficient exposure to sunlight because sunlight prompts the production of vitamin D in your skin.
• Calcium or vitamin-D deficiency these nutrients may be deficient because of either shortage in the diet, or problems with the metabolism (breakdown and use) of this vitamin and mineral.
• Phosphate deficiency associated with not enough phosphates in the diet.
• Inherited disorders of vitamin D metabolism.
• Surgery to remove portion of your small intestine may also lead to osteomalacia.
• Side effect from drugs used to treat seizures, including phenytoin and Phenobarbital.
• Certain ailments such as; kidneys failure, liver disease, and cancer.

Symptoms: Generalized bone pain and a waddling gait, both which are exaggerated in persons who are overweight. The pain is most prominent in the lower spine, pelvis, legs and feet. Pain is usually dull and aching and worsens during physical activity.

Treatment and Prevention: Calcium and vitamin D are generally successful in treating osteomalacia with mineralization of existing bone matrix occurring, but this may be incomplete or irregular in some areas of bone. If large amounts of matrix are lacking, a person may be treated successfully for osteomalacia but left with underlying osteoporosis.