Orthodontic treatment of a patient with hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets

Hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets, when developed later in life, is less severe and may not be characterized by rickets or other osseous deformities. A Japanese girl, age nine years and one month, was first seen in the Dental Hospital of Osaka University, complaining of the crowding of the maxillary teeth. At one year of age, the patient was admitted to Osaka University Hospital for her leg deformities. Although the patient has been administered 4 micrograms 1 alpha/-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1.0 g phosphorous daily, the serum phosphate has been low and never reached normal level. This case was a Class II division 2 malocclusion with severe anterior crowding and retarded mandibular growth. We treated her with a functional appliance (elastic open activator), followed by the extraction of four premolars and the use of an edgewise appliance. No unfavorable root resorption or bone defect occurred. Good occlusion was achieved and the facial features were pleasing.