Rickets

Rickets With Characteristic Bowed Legs In A Young Child. Courtesy of Wikipedia

What Is Rickets?

Rickets is a disorder of cartilage cell growth and enlargement of epiphyseal growth plates in young children that is characterized by inadequate mineralization of developing cartilage and newly formed bone.

The epiphyseal growth plate is located at the ends of the long bones of the arms and legs and controls the growth of these bones. Enlargement of the plate area gives the physical appearance of thick joints at the wrists, knees, and ankles.

Q: What is inadequate mineralization of bone tissue?

A: Inadequate mineralization means there is not sufficient calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other minerals available to give bone that is replacing cartilage in a young child its necessary strength during the period of enchondral bone formation. Consequently, long bones bend under the weight of the body and become deformed.

Children 4 to 18 months of age worldwide are at risk of developing rickets.

What Is Rickets In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

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