The primary difference between rickets and osteomalacia lies in who they affect: rickets occurs in growing children due to defective mineralization of the growth plate, while osteomalacia occurs in adults (and children) due to defective mineralization of the preformed bone.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Rickets
- Definition: Rickets is a condition characterized by impaired mineralization of bone in growing children. This affects the growth plates, leading to skeletal deformities.
- Population Affected: Specifically seen in children, whose bones are still growing.
- Cause: Typically caused by vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, or phosphate deficiency. Lack of vitamin D impairs calcium absorption, which is crucial for bone mineralization.
- Key Feature: Affects the growth plate.
- Symptoms: Skeletal deformities (bowed legs, knock-knees, widened wrists), delayed growth, bone pain, and dental problems.
Osteomalacia
- Definition: Osteomalacia is a condition characterized by softening of the bones due to impaired bone mineralization in adults (and occasionally children).
- Population Affected: Primarily affects adults, but can occur in children as well. When it occurs in children, it is usually alongside rickets.
- Cause: Most commonly caused by vitamin D deficiency, but can also be caused by other conditions that interfere with calcium or phosphate metabolism.
- Key Feature: Affects preformed osteoid (bone matrix).
- Symptoms: Bone pain, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and increased risk of fractures.
Summary Table: Rickets vs. Osteomalacia
| Feature | Rickets | Osteomalacia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | Growing children | Adults (and children) |
| Primary Defect | Defective mineralization of growth plate | Defective mineralization of preformed osteoid |
| Key Feature | Affects growing bones | Affects mature bones |
In short, while both conditions involve poor bone mineralization and can be caused by similar deficiencies, rickets specifically impacts the growing bones of children, whereas osteomalacia affects the already formed bones of adults.
