Differentials

Hypophosphatasia

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

An autosomal recessive disorder that radiographically resembles rickets.

This is an inborn error of metabolism in which activity of the tissue-non-specific (liver/bone/kidney) alkaline phosphatase is deficient.[5]

INVESTIGATIONS

Defined by low serum alkaline phosphatase activity.

Large quantities of phosphoethanolamine are found in the urine.

Metaphyseal dysostoses

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Includes Jansen and Schmid types of metaphyseal dysostosis and Pyle's disease.

Bowing of the legs, short stature, and a waddling gait.[5]

INVESTIGATIONS

Absence of abnormalities of low serum levels of calcium and phosphate, alkaline phosphatase activity, or vitamin D metabolites.

Blount syndrome

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Condition that causes osteochondrosis of the tibia, resulting in bowing of the legs. May be related to obesity.

INVESTIGATIONS

Absence of abnormalities of low serum levels of calcium and phosphate, alkaline phosphatase activity, or vitamin D metabolites.

Benign hyperphosphatasia

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

A benign condition of elevations of serum alkaline phosphatase levels. May be transient or permanent.

INVESTIGATIONS

Absence of radiological findings of rickets.

Chronic renal failure

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Chronic renal failure can cause a rickets-like clinical picture, but this is rarely a presenting finding.

INVESTIGATIONS

Abnormal renal function tests.

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