Osteomalacia, unspecified

This code represents a metabolic bone disease characterized by inadequate mineralization of newly formed osteoid in mature bone. It leads to softening of the bones, making them weak and prone to fractures. This condition is distinct from rickets, which affects growing bone in children.

Use this code when documentation specifies osteomalacia without further detail regarding its underlying cause. This is appropriate when the etiology, such as nutritional deficiency, renal disease, or malabsorption, is unknown or not yet determined.

• Avoid using this code if a more specific type of osteomalacia (e.g., due to vitamin D deficiency) is documented.
• Do not confuse with osteoporosis (37.0), which is a decrease in bone mass, not a mineralization defect.
• Always query for the underlying cause if not specified, as more specific codes exist.