Osteomalacia Revealed on Medical Imaging: The Hidden Vitamin D Deficiency Behind Fragility Fractures, CT Diagnosis, and Radiology Interpretation
The Hidden Vitamin D Deficiency Behind Fragility Fractures, CT Diagnosis, and Radiology Interpretation Introduction A 47-year-old woman presented with three months of persistent generalized pain that failed to improve despite analgesic therapy. She gradually developed difficulty walking, standing from a seated position, and rising from bed. At first glance, the symptoms seemed nonspecific. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is among the most common complaints encountered in primary care, emergency medicine, and orthopedic clinics. However, medical imaging revealed a much more important diagnosis. Pelvic radiographs demonstrated bilateral transverse femoral fractures without significant displacement. Laboratory testing revealed profound vitamin D deficiency, hypophosphatemia, and markedly elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. The diagnosis was Osteomalacia. Although often overlooked in developed healthcare systems, osteomalacia remains a significant global disease that radiologists, emergency...