What Causes Osteopetrosis

The X-linked type of osteopetrosis, OL-EDA-ID, results from mutations in the IKBKG gene. In about 30 percent of all cases of osteopetrosis, the cause of the condition is unknown. The genes associated with osteopetrosis are involved in the formation, development, and function of specialized cells called osteoclasts.

What causes osteoporosis and osteomalacia?

Osteomalacia causes soft bones due to a lack of vitamin D. It is a disorder of decreased mineralization, which results in bone breaking down faster than it can re-form. In osteoporosis, bone mass decreases over time, leading to weakened and brittle bones that are susceptible to fracture.

What are the major causes of rickets?

Your child’s body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Rickets can occur if your child’s body doesn’t get enough vitamin D or if his or her body has problems using vitamin D properly. Occasionally, not getting enough calcium or lack of calcium and vitamin D can cause rickets.