Question
Are Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Osteomalacia the same diseases? If they are different, how so? Thank you for your answer.
Answer
These two conditions are vastly different and should not be confused. Osteogenesis Imperfecta is caused by genetic or gene mutations, while Osteomalacia (rickets due to vitamin D deficiency) is caused by vitamin D deficiency in children. The characteristics of Osteogenesis Imperfecta include extremely short stature, abnormal proportions of limbs and trunk, a large head, normal trunk, short arms and legs, elbows that cannot be straightened, thick and short fingers, a pronounced forehead, a flat nasal bridge, and a prominent chin. Additionally, there are symptoms such as an anterior convexity of the lumbar spine, bow legs, and loose joints in the limbs, as well as flat feet. The symptoms of Osteomalacia include excessive sweating, night terrors, and irritability, as well as neurological symptoms such as softening of the skull and skeletal deformities (such as ‘square head’). Other symptoms include delayed teething, delayed language development, anemia, and more.