Pronunciation: [ˌɒstɪˌɒmɐlˈe͡ɪʃə] (IPA) 
Osteomalacia is a medical condition in which the bones become soft and weak due to a deficiency of vitamin D. The spelling of this word can be broken down into its IPA phonetic transcription: /ɒstiːoməˈleɪʃiə/. The "o" is pronounced as "ah," the "e" in "oste" is pronounced as "ee," and the "ia" at the end is pronounced as "ee-uh." The "m" in "malacia" is pronounced as "muh," and the emphasis is on the second syllable, "ma."
Osteomalacia is a medical condition characterized by the softening and weakening of the bones in adults. It occurs due to a deficiency in minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for the proper mineralization of bone tissue. This deficiency can be attributed to various underlying factors, such as inadequate dietary intake of these minerals, certain gastrointestinal disorders that hinder their absorption, or an impairment in the kidneys' ability to reabsorb them.
The softening of the bones in osteomalacia is often caused by the inadequate formation of hydroxyapatite crystals, which are vital for bone strength and rigidity. As a result, the affected bones become more prone to fractures, deformities, and pain as they lose their ability to adequately support the body's weight. Common symptoms of osteomalacia may include muscle weakness, bone pain and tenderness, difficulty walking, muscle spasms, and increased risk of fractures.
The diagnosis of osteomalacia typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests to measure serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and other related markers, and imaging techniques like X-rays or bone density scans. Treatment primarily involves addressing the underlying cause of the disease and restoring mineral balance through dietary adjustments and supplementation with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
If left untreated, osteomalacia can lead to significant functional impairment and a higher risk of fractures. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the condition can be managed effectively, and the affected bones can regain their strength and integrity.
Mollities ossium; a disease characterized by a gradual softening and bending of the bones with more or less severe pain; it is more common in women than men and often begins during a pregnancy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "osteomalacia" is derived from Greek roots. It combines two words: "osteo" which means "bone" and "malakia" which means "softness" or "weakness". Therefore, osteomalacia refers to a condition characterized by the softening or weakening of bones.
