• Bone fractures that happen with very little injury
• Muscle weakness
• Widespread bone pain, especially in the hips

Symptoms may also occur due to low calcium levels. These include:

• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Numbness around the mouth
• Numbness of arms and legs
• Spasms of hands or feet

Blood tests will be done to check vitamin D, creatinine, calcium, and phosphate levels.

A bone biopsy reveals bone softening.

Bone x-rays and a bone density test can help detect pseudofractures, bone loss, and bone softening.

Other tests may be done to determine if there is a kidney problem or other underlying disorder. These tests include:

• ALP (alkaline phosphatase) isoenzyme
• PTH

Images

Indications

Review Date: 08/31/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)