How does osteoporosis differ from osteopenia osteomalacia and osteosclerosis
- • Osteoporosis is characterized by diminished bone density with otherwise normal bone architecture. The main radiographic finding is cortical thinning. Loss of bony trabeculae may also be seen.
- • Osteomalacia is characterized by normal bone density in the setting of abnormal quality of the bone, leading to excess non-mineralized osteoid. In a growing child, this is referred to as rickets.
- • Osteopenia is characterized by diffusely increased lucency of bone as seen on radiography or computed tomography (CT). It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between osteoporosis and osteomalacia radiographically.
- • Osteosclerosis is diffusely increased density of bone as seen on radiography or CT.
