Orthopedics - Oleksa A.P. 2006

Metabolic Bone Diseases

Bone diseases are frequently viewed as alterations in the balance between Bone Formation and resorption processes. Only by evaluating these processes can a comprehensive analysis of bone damage be performed. For instance, in Osteoporosis, the total bone mass decreases along with a proportional reduction in both matrix and mineral. In Osteomalacia, by contrast, a relative decrease in minerals compared to the matrix is observed, which is expressed as a reduction in The ratio of the former to the latter. Serum calcium is not a reliable indicator of skeletal activity, given that 95% of the body's calcium resides in bone apatite, while the 180 mg of ionized plasma Ca2+ represents merely the "tip of the iceberg." Serum calcium levels provide only a relative reflection of the actual amount of bone apatite. However, by determining plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as calciuria and phosphaturia, Metabolic Bone Diseases can be classified.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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