The bony manifestation of Rickets. A case report

Abstract

This paper describes a case of the bony manifestation of Rickets. Although vitamin D deficiency has become less common, Rickets still is seen among the Eritrean pediatric population. Rickets is an entity in which mineralization is decreased at the level of the growth plates, resulting in growth retardation and delayed skeletal development. The patient was referred to our Out patient Department for deformities of the legs and growth disturbance, with his height far below the normal range. Bowing of long bones of the legs and cupping of the wrist metaphyseal region were the radiographic changes most evident. Although the primary management of rickets
is conservative, the orthopedist’s role can be crucial. The orthopedist’s responsibilities include establishing a diagnosis and treating osseous complications, such as fractures, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and bowing of the extremities. Furthermore, the orchestration of care between the pediatrician and orthopedist is highlighted here.

Key words: Bony deformity, rickets, vitamin D deficiency, renal osteodystrophy