Orthopedic aspects of metabolic bone disease

Although metabolic bone disorders are common, they may be difficult to distinguish on the basis of clinical and radiologic findings. Understanding their diverse manifestations on imaging studies may allow early diagnosis. This article discusses osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, and Paget disease, with emphasis on radiologic differential diagnosis.