Common Misdiagnoses of Osteomalacia

Osteomalacia is a softening and weakening of the bone. The condition makes bones particularly vulnerable to fractures. Osteomalacia occurs in both adults and children; in children, the condition is familiarly known as rickets. Osteomalacia occurs when the body does not get a sufficient supply of vitamin D or the body cannot break down the vitamin to use it (malabsorption). Alternatively, some with osteomalacia may lack a sufficient amount of calcium.

Other conditions that may cause osteomalacia include the following:

• Cancer
• Kidney failure and acidosis
• Liver disease
• Phosphate depletion associated with not enough phosphates in the diet
• Side effects of medications used to treat seizures

Symptoms include easily fractured bones, muscle weakness and bone pain, especially in the hips. Symptoms that occur due to low calcium include abnormal heart rhythms, numbness around the mouth, numbness in the extremities, and hand or feet spasms.

If properly diagnosed and treated, osteomalacia in people with vitamin deficiency may improve in a matter of weeks and can be completely healed within six months.

Common Misdiagnoses of Osteomalacia

To diagnose osteomalacia, the physician will perform blood tests to check levels of vitamin D, calcium, creatinine (muscle product) and phosphate levels. Additionally, a bone biopsy will be done to determine any softness in the blood. Bone x-rays and a bone density test may also detect any small fractures, bone loss or bone softening.

To determine if there is an underlying kidney problem, an ALP (alkaline phosphatase) isoenzyme test as well as a PTH (parathyroid hormone) test is also performed. PTH regulates the body's calcium and phosphorus levels.

Treatment for the condition may involve taking oral supplements for vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus. If the patient cannot sufficiently absorb vitamins and nutrients in the intestine, the doctor may prescribe even larger doses. Regular blood tests will be conducted to monitor calcium and phosphorus levels. Additionally the doctor may prescribe more time in the sun, which is a natural source of vitamin D.

Misdiagnosis of osteomalacia does occur on occasion. The condition is sometimes mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis. Treatments for these conditions vary from those needed to treat osteomalacia. Also, since osteomalacia may indicate a more virulent underlying cause, a misdiagnosis will delay treatment for the underlying disease. This can be catastrophic in cases in which the disease is cancer, kidney failure or liver disease, any of which if left undiagnosed and untreated can lead to death.

Talk with a Lawyer

If your osteomalacia and its underlying disease was misdiagnosed or went undiagnosed, and you suffered harm as a result, you may have a claim for medical malpractice. You may be able to recover damages for any medical expenses due to the malpractice as well as lost wages and any additional pain and suffering you've had to endure. Talk with a lawyer about your possible malpractice case.