Question
A parent inquired about their 10-month-old baby who has noticed a small lump between two ribs, which is more noticeable when crying. The baby had seen a doctor four months ago, who advised that the issue was not serious and would improve over time. Additionally, the baby has a condition known as rib flaring, and the doctor recommended supplementing with calcium. However, due to a smaller fontanelle, the parent is concerned about potential adverse effects from excessive supplementation and is currently mainly using sun exposure and Vitamin AD supplements. Although the rib condition has improved somewhat, the small lump remains. The parents are worried whether this is a Sequelae of rickets or another issue, such as a keel bone. They request analysis and an answer to their question.
Answer
Based on the parent’s description, the baby’s rib flaring issue may be due to skeletal development abnormalities caused by rickets. A keel bone is a bone structure located below the sternum, and according to the parent’s account, it can be largely ruled out as the cause. The primary consideration is rib flaring, which is caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium. After supplementing with vitamin D and calcium, symptoms may improve, but as the child grows older, most children may still experience some degree of deformity. Therefore, the treatment for rickets mainly focuses on preventing further deficiency of vitamin D and calcium, and no additional treatment is needed for skeletal deformities. Please note that the above information is for reference only, and actual situations may vary due to individual differences. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.