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ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Rickets

Alternative Names:

Osteomalacia in children; Vitamin D deficiency; Renal rickets

Symptoms:

Signs and tests:

A musculoskeletal examination reveals tenderness or pain of the bone itself, rather than in the joints or muscles.

Calcium levels may be low.
- Tetany (prolonged muscle spasm) may occur if serum levels of calcium are low.
- Chvostek's sign may be positive (a spasm of facial muscles occurs when the facial nerve is tapped) indicating low serum levels of calcium.
- Serum calcium will confirm calcium levels.
Serum phosphorus may be low.
Serum alkaline phosphatase may be high.
Arterial blood gases may reveal metabolic acidosis.
Bone X-rays may show decalcification or changes in the shape or structure of the bones.
A bone biopsy is rarely performed but will confirm rickets.

Other tests and procedures include the following:

X-ray

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