Metabolic Bone Diseases (MBD)
Metabolic Bone Diseases (MBD): Overview, Types, and Management
What Are Metabolic Bone Diseases?
Metabolic bone diseases (MBD) are a group of disorders characterized by abnormal bone strength, structure, or mass due to imbalances in minerals (calcium, phosphorus), hormones (parathyroid hormone, vitamin D), or genetic factors. These conditions disrupt bone remodeling, leading to weakened bones, fractures, deformities, and systemic complications.
Key Types of MBD
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Osteoporosis | Most common MBD; progressive bone loss, increased fracture risk. Affects 12.6% of U.S. adults ≥50 8. |
| Osteomalacia/Rickets | Softened bones due to vitamin D deficiency (rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults). Delayed growth, bowing deformities 13. |
| Hyperparathyroidism | Excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) causes hypercalcemia, bone resorption. Symptoms: kidney stones, bone pain, fatigue 29. |
| Paget’s Disease | Disordered bone remodeling, leading to enlarged, fragile bones. Common in older adults 89. |
| Hypophosphatasia | Genetic disorder causing low alkaline phosphatase; soft bones, fractures, dental issues 6. |
| Osteogenesis Imperfecta | Genetic “brittle bone disease”; frequent fractures, blue sclerae, hearing loss 68. |
Causes and Risk Factors
- Mineral/Vitamin Deficiencies: Low calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D (diet, malabsorption, lack of sunlight) 13.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Elevated PTH (hyperparathyroidism), estrogen/testosterone decline (osteoporosis) 18.
- Genetic Mutations: Affecting bone formation (e.g., collagen defects in osteogenesis imperfecta) 6.
- Chronic Conditions: Kidney disease, diabetes, inflammatory disorders (IBD, rheumatoid arthritis) 37.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol, sedentary habits, low BMI 48.
- Medications: Long-term steroids, proton pump inhibitors, certain iron therapies (e.g., ferric carboxymaltose) 47.
Symptoms
- Bone Pain/Tenderness (common in osteomalacia, Paget’s).
- Fractures (low-trauma in osteoporosis; recurrent in genetic disorders).
- Muscle Weakness (proximal myopathy in hyperparathyroidism).
- Deformities: Bowed legs (rickets), enlarged skull (Paget’s).
- Systemic Signs: Fatigue, renal stones (hypercalcemia), hypocalcemic tetany (tingling, cramps) 58.
Diagnosis
- Blood Tests: Calcium, phosphorus, PTH, vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase 25.
- Imaging:
- Biopsy: Rarely, for suspected osteomalacia or genetic disorders 6.
Treatment
- Nutritional Correction:
- Medications:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight-bearing exercise, smoking cessation, fall prevention 48.
- Surgery: For fractures (e.g., hip replacement) or parathyroid adenoma removal 29.
Complications
- Chronic pain, disability, reduced quality of life.
- Fractures (hip, spine) with high morbidity/mortality in osteoporosis.
- Renal impairment (hyperparathyroidism) or cardiovascular issues (hypercalcemia) 57.
Prevention
- Adequate calcium/vitamin D intake (diet/supplements).
- Regular screening for high-risk groups (postmenopausal women, CKD patients).
- Early stabilization of fractures to prevent fat embolism syndrome 48.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common MBDs | Osteoporosis, osteomalacia/rickets, hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s, genetic disorders |
| Key Causes | Mineral deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, genetics, chronic diseases, medications |
| Diagnosis | Blood tests (Ca, PTH, vitamin D), DXA scan, imaging |
| Treatment | Supplements, bisphosphonates, lifestyle changes, surgery |
| Prognosis | Manageable with early intervention; irreversible damage if untreated |
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Metabolic Bone Diseases (MBD) or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are critical to preventing fractures and improving outcomes in MBD. Regular monitoring and multidisciplinary care (endocrinologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists) optimize long-term bone health.
