Approach to the Patient with Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease encompasses both common (e.g., osteoporosis) and more rare (e.g., X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets) conditions that may be clinically silent or present with fractures and bone pain. Diagnostic assessment of metabolic bone disease includes laboratory and radiographic studies that, although not absolutely specific, help guide evaluation and management of bone disorders. Treatments of metabolic bone disease often have common components (e.g., calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates) but may also include disease-specific therapy (e.g., enzyme replacement for hypophosphatasia).

Duke Scholars

Author Thomas Joseph Weber Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition