rickets

Also known as active rickets, vitamin D hydroxylation-deficient rickets, vitamin D-dependent rickets, rachitis

Rickets (scientific nomenclature: rachitis; from Greek , meaning "in or of the spine" which was chosen as a back-formation, see Etymology) is a condition that results in weak or soft bones in children and may have either dietary-deficiency or genetic causes. Symptoms include bowed legs, stunted growth, bone pain, large forehead, and trouble sleeping. Complications may include bone deformities, bone pseudofractures and fractures, muscle spasms, or an abnormally curved spine. The analogous condition in adults is osteomalacia.

AI overview

Rickets is a childhood condition that weakens or softens bones, stemming from either dietary deficiencies or genetic factors, and causes symptoms like bowed legs, stunted growth, and bone pain. It matters because it can lead to serious complications including bone deformities, fractures, and spine curvature if left untreated.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Medical condition.name: Rickets
Medical condition.image: XrayRicketsLegssmall.jpg
Medical condition.caption: X-ray of a two-year-old with rickets, demonstrating a marked bowing of the femurs and decreased bone density
Medical condition.field: Pediatrics, rheumatology, dietetics
Medical condition.symptoms: Bowed legs, stunted growth, bone pain, large forehead, trouble sleeping
Medical condition.complications: Bone fractures, muscle spasms, abnormally curved spine, intellectual disability
Medical condition.onset: Childhood
Medical condition.causes: Diet without enough vitamin D or calcium, too little sun exposure, exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation, celiac disease, certain genetic conditions
Medical condition.diagnosis: Blood tests, X-rays
Medical condition.differential: Fanconi syndrome, scurvy, Lowe syndrome, osteomalacia
Medical condition.prevention: Vitamin D supplements for exclusively-breastfed babies
Medical condition.treatment: Vitamin D and calcium
Medical condition.frequency: Relatively common (Middle East, Africa, Asia)