Rickets or osteomalacia due to lack of vitamin D is treated with oral calcium, and a form of vitamin D for patients with vitamin D deficiency. The form of vitamin D depends on the nature of defect in vitamin D metabolism. The available vitamin D preparations are shown in Fig. 18.23. Patients with rickets or osteomalacia due to hypophosphataemia require oral phosphate and a form of vitamin D, preferably 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
