In rickets, which portion of long bones is most commonly affected?

In rickets, which portion of long bones is most commonly affected?

• A. Epiphysis
• B. Diaphysis
• C. Metaphysis
• D. Cortex

Answer: (A)

In rickets, the region where growing long bones lengthen is most affected: the metaphysis. This is where endochondral ossification occurs and new bone forms near the growth plate. Vitamin D deficiency impairs mineralization of the unossified osteoid at the growth plate, causing widening and irregularity of the metaphysis with cupping and fraying. The epiphysis and diaphysis are less prominently involved early on, and the cortex remains relatively normal at first. Clinically, you get bowing of the legs and radiographs show metaphyseal widening with cupping/fraying at the ends of the long bones.

In rickets, the region where growing long bones lengthen is most affected: the metaphysis. This is where endochondral ossification occurs and new bone forms near the growth plate. Vitamin D deficiency impairs mineralization of the unossified osteoid at the growth plate, causing widening and irregularity of the metaphysis with cupping and fraying. The epiphysis and diaphysis are less prominently involved early on, and the cortex remains relatively normal at first. Clinically, you get bowing of the legs and radiographs show metaphyseal widening with cupping/fraying at the ends of the long bones.