A rare differential diagnosis of waddling gait--osteomalacia caused by vitamin D deficiency
Menger, H.; Pfingsten, H.; Hintze, G.; Köbberling, J.; Jörg, J.
Der Nervenarzt 64(6): 407-410
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2804 PMID: 8392665 Document Number: 415453
The so-called "waddling gait" caused by paresis or mechanical insufficiency of the hip muscles is an ambiguous clinical guiding symptom. This pelvifemorally accentuated muscular weakness coinciding with pain in the range of the locomotor system should make one consider the diagnosis of osteomalacia due to deficiency of vitamin D, especially in Asian patients. In the present case, the course of investigation is described in detail, as well as the effective therapy. The diagnosis of this clinical picture ought to be familiar to any neurologist, since its more frequent appearance must be expected as an increasing number of Asians seek asylum in the years ahead. Social integration of the affected persons may be made easier by treatment on the lines described here.