Rickets

Rickets is a children's disease in which the bones do not harden properly, and excessive growth of cartilage occurs at the ends of the bones. It is due to lack of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcification of the bones. In adults, such disorder is known as Osteomalacia. Knock-knees, bowlegs, pigeon breast, and other deformities may develop.

Osteomalacia is an abnormal bone condition in adults, similar to rickets in children. The bones gradually soften owing to deficiency of calcium and phosphorus. The bones tend to become bowed in severe cases. Osteomalacia is not usually caused simply by a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D in the diet, but by some abnormality in the way the body utilizes these substances. In some cases, it is associated with disorders of the pancreas or the kidneys. Most forms of osteomalacia is curable if treated promptly, so it is important to see a doctor about any persistent ache in the bones.

Osteomyelitis is the infection of the bone marrow by pus-forming bacteria, also any infection of the bone. The bacteria usually come from a primary infection elsewhere in the body, such as boil or pneumonia. Children are more often affected than adults. Any bone may be involved. As injury to a healthy bone may make it especially susceptible to infection. If untreated, the infection often results in disfigurement and disability due to bone destruction. 

The onset of osteomyelitis is usually sudden, with high fever and severe pain in the area of the affected bone. Prompt medical attention is essential. Acute osteomyelitis is usually cured with antibiotics such as penicilin.

Pigeon Breast is a deformity of the chest (also called chicken breast) in which the sternum, or breastbone, is abnormally prominent. It may be congenital, or it may be due to calcium or vitamin D deficiency during infancy and childhood. In severe instances of this deformity operation is sometimes recommended. If the chest protrudes only slightly and the condition creates no physical problems, it is best to disregard it.