[Pathomorphology and mineral saturation of the bone tissue in congenital vitamin D-resistant rickets]

Fragments of tubular bones obtained in correcting operations from 11 patients aged between 10 and 17 years with congenital vitamin-D-resistant rickets were examined using quantitative microroentgenography, light and electron microscopy. The bone tissue was characterized by reduced mineral saturation of microstructures, marked osteoporosis and numerous resorption foci. The latter were located around osteocytes both in the area of osteones and in inserted plates. Electron microscopy revealed uneven incrustation of the organic matrix with the mineral component as well as disorganization of the ultrastructure of collagen fibrills and associated crystals in the foci of periosteocyte resorption.