In children, the condition is called rickets. See full list below. What causes rickets? Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. The most common cause of both osteomalacia and rickets is vitamin D deficiency … Lee, JY, So, Tsz-Yin, Thackray, J. Osteomalacia is a condition in which the bones lose calcium and become softer. Clinical trials. Medical Definition of Osteomalacia Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Osteomalacia: Softening of bone, particularly in the sense of bone weakened by demineralization (the loss of mineral) and most notably by the depletion of calcium from bone. Definition Osteomalacia is a metabolic bone disease characterised by incomplete mineralisation of the underlying mature organic bone matrix (osteoid) following growth plate closure in adults. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. Preparing for your appointment. Osteomalacia is softening of the bones. This causes the bones to deform. Retrieved August 4, 2012. Lee, JY, So, Tsz-Yin, Thackray, J. Doctors for Osteomalacia: This section presents information about some of the possible medical professionals that might be involved with Osteomalacia. Learn about what causes it and the differences between osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and rickets. Alternative Names. Bhan A, Rao AD, Rao DS. Ask your doctor to recommend what other types of doctors, physicians, medical specialists, or other medical professionals should be part of the team for your medical issues. Adults can experience a similar condition, which is known as osteomalacia or soft bones. Office of Dietary Supplements - National Institutes of Health. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this disease.. Retrieved August 4, 2012. (When osteomalacia occurs in children, it's called rickets.) 2010;39(2):321. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D. (2011, June 24). As the bones get softer and more flexible, they are affected by the weight they carry or other forces put on them. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D. (2011, June 24). A lack of vitamin D or calcium is the most common cause of rickets. Definition. If the problem is severe, you may need surgery. It most often occurs because of a problem with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Read more about the signs and symptoms of rickets and osteomalacia. Osteomalacia as a Result of Vitamin D Deficiency. Osteomalacia is a disease that leads to softening of the bones. Osteomalacia as a Result of Vitamin D Deficiency. Osteomalacia is a disorder of impaired mineralization of the osteoid; rickets is a disorder of impaired mineralization of cartilaginous growth plates.Adults have fused growth plates so they are only affected by osteomalacia.In children, whose growth plates are open, the disorders can occur simultaneously. To treat broken or deformed bones from osteomalacia, your doctor may give you a brace to wear. Accessed 10/3/2018. Office of Dietary Supplements - National Institutes of Health. Accessed 10/3/2018. Bhan A, Rao AD, Rao DS. Your body needs calcium to maintain the strength and hardness of your bones. 2010;39(2):321.