Metabolic Bone Diseases

Overview

Throughout our lives, the bones of our body are continuously undergoing changes, with new bone cells replacing old cells every 10 years. Metabolic bone diseases encompass a range of conditions that influence bone mass, growth, and turnover. These conditions can lead to weakened bone, bone loss, and increased risk of fractures. Mineral imbalances (such as excessive or insufficient calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D) can hinder with bone strength.

Osteoporosis is the most prevalent metabolic bone disease, impacting approximately 200 million individuals globally. It results in decreased bone mass, causing bone weakness and increased risk of fractures.

Osteopenia represents a milder form of low bone density. Other metabolic bone disorders include hyperparathyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome or prolonged steroid intake, hypophosphatasia, and Paget’s disease.

Symptoms of metabolic bone diseases can differ from person to person and may include:

• A noticeable decrease in height (shortening by at least one inch)
• Fractured bones
• Changes in posture (stooping or bending forward)
• Difficulty walking
• Pain in bones or hips
• Muscle weakness
• Lower back pain

It is crucial to note that osteoporosis is often asymptomatic, meaning it typically does not cause pain.

Healthcare providers perform blood tests to assess levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. For example, low levels of calcium, vitamin D, or phosphorus may indicate osteomalacia. Low blood alkaline phosphatase levels combined with elevated vitamin B6 levels may suggest hypophosphatasia.