TY - JOUR T1 - Osteomalacia and osteoporosis: evaluation of a diagnostic index. JF - Journal of Clinical Pathology JO - J Clin Pathol SP - 245 LP - 252 DO - 10.1136/jcp.36.3.245 VL - 36 IS - 3 AU - M J McKenna AU - R Freaney AU - O M Casey AU - R P Towers AU - F P Muldowney Y1 - 1983/03/01 UR - http://jcp.bmj.com/content/36/3/245.abstract N2 - Data from a retrospective study in 41 patients is used to suggest an index of bone disease. This is designed as a means of collating available results, clarifying the significance of each in diagnosing either osteomalacia or osteoporosis, and reducing the significance of a single abnormal finding--for example, a raised alkaline phosphatase activity or low serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D, when the overall index score is low. Index scores above 35% would be diagnostic of osteomalacia; scores below 15% if associated with collapsed vertebrae suggest osteoporosis. Scores between 15% and 35% would indicate the need for a bone biopsy to discriminate between osteoporosis and osteomalacia. ER -