osteomalacia /-məlā″shə/ [Gk, osteon + malakia, softening] , an abnormal condition of lamellar bone, characterized by a loss of calcification of the matrix and resulting in softening of the bone. It is accompanied by weakness, fracture, pain, anorexia, and weight loss. The condition is the result of an inadequate amount of phosphorus and calcium available in the blood for mineralization of the bones. This deficiency may be caused by a diet lacking these minerals or vitamin D, by a lack of exposure to sunlight and hence an inability to synthesize vitamin D, or by a metabolic disorder causing malabsorption of minerals. Osteomalacia results from and also complicates many other diseases and conditions. Treatment usually includes administration of the necessary vitamins and minerals and therapy appropriate for the underlying disorder. Also called adult rickets. See also hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease, rickets.
