ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2014;31(4):267-271

Case report

UDC: 616.71-007-233

DOI: 10.2478/afmnai-2014-0033

Osteomalacia or Osteoporosis - Case Report

Nela Živković, Sonja Stojanović

Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation «Niška Banja», Serbia


SUMMARY

The aim of the paper was to show the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to a patient suffering from osteomalacia, as well as differential diagnosis with osteoporosis. Osteomalacia (OM) is a metabolic disease of bones which appears as a result of defective mineralization of newly formed bone matrix in adults. Diagnosis of disease may represent a big problem. A 67-year-old female patient from Pirot was examined in an outpatient unit by a rheumatologist in the Niška Banja Institute in December 2012. The patient reported pain along the vertebral column and inability to get out of bed. Radiography showed vertebral compression fractures and the patient had previously received surgical care at Orthopedics Ward of General Hospital Pirot due to the left femur fracture. Orthopedist, neurologist, physiatrist and practicing rheumatologist suspected osteoporosis. The diagnosis of osteomalacia was established in February, 2013. The treatment was initiated by introducing large doses of vitamin D and advising bisphosphonates. After eighth months, the patient's general condition was improved. This was demonstrated by her independent mobility.

Key words: osteomalacia, osteoporosis, diagnosis, treatment