Changes in Bony Disorders
| Bone Disorder | Ca2+ | PO42- | Alkaline Phosphatase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoporosis | N | N | N |
| Osteomalacia | N | ?↓ | ↑ |
| Paget’s disease | N | N | ↑ |
| Primary hyperparathyroidism | ↑ | ↓ | N |
| Secondary hyperparathyroidism | ↓N | N | ↑ |
| Hypoparathyroid | ↓ | ↑ | N |
Legend: N = Normal ↑ = Increase ↓ = Decrease ? = Maybe
Imaging
Plain radiography is used to visualise fractures and can reveal specific metabolic disorders of calcium. For example, Paget’s disease and osteoporosis.
Technetium scanning can reveal increased bone activity in fracture, infection and metastatic bone disease.
MRI allows detailed subchondral bone assessment.