Metabolic bone disease

The topic of bone metabolism is complex and knowledge of the processes involved, and their control mechanisms, is still evolving. In an article of this size it is inevitable that only a relatively simple account can be given but an understanding of the basic sciences underlying metabolic bone diseases is important for Orthopaedic surgeons. We will explore the normal control mechanisms and the interplay between calcium, phosphate, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, then discuss the conditions in which normal control is lost.