Can rickets with rib eversion in babies be cured?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on January 31, 2025
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Babies with rib flaring can be treated, but it requires assessment based on relevant clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. First, it is necessary to understand that rickets is a metabolic bone disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which often results not only in rib flaring but also in square skull, pigeon chest, and either bowlegs or knock-knees. Neurologically, symptoms may include night sweats, easy startling during sleep, and poor sleep quality. When these conditions occur, a physical examination by a specialist is essential, along with comprehensive tests, including measuring the specific levels of vitamin D, and selecting appropriate vitamin D supplements. If the symptoms of rib flaring are severe and accompanied by a noticeable pigeon chest, orthotic supports may also be necessary for correction. If rib flaring affects normal breathing, severe cases may require surgical treatment. Therefore, the extent of severity based on clinical symptoms will dictate the treatment approach—whether it is oral medication, orthotic correction, or surgery.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Clinical manifestations of rickets

Rickets, also known as vitamin D deficiency rickets, occurs because children do not supplement vitamin D in a timely manner after birth, leading to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body and resulting in a nutritional metabolic disease primarily involving skeletal changes. In the early stages, children mainly show symptoms related to mental and emotional state, such as irritability, crying, excessive sweating, shaking their heads back and forth, and rubbing their heads. Subsequently, symptoms like bald patches on the back of the head and softening of the skull bones may appear. As children grow, they may develop conditions such as a square-shaped skull, beaded ribs, pigeon chest, funnel chest, and bracelet-like deformities around the wrists and ankles. In severe cases, children may later develop X-shaped legs and O-shaped legs. If rickets is suspected, it is crucial to promptly conduct a blood test to measure the vitamin D level. If the level is below normal, it is essential to actively treat the diagnosed rickets.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Rickets and osteoporosis are caused by a lack of what?

Rickets and osteoporosis are both caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium. Rickets is commonly seen in infants and can present with abnormalities in skeletal development such as "ping-pong ball head", signs of wrist and ankle bracelets, square skull, funnel chest, pigeon chest, X-shaped legs, and O-shaped legs. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease caused by reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption. It can be categorized according to its etiology into senile osteoporosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, idiopathic osteoporosis, and secondary osteoporosis. Clinically, it can manifest as fatigue, bone pain, and fractures.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Which department should I go to for rickets?

Rickets, known as nutritional vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D in the body leading to disturbed calcium and phosphate metabolism. In the early stages of rickets, it is primarily due to insufficient levels of vitamin D, which then leads to abnormal calcium and phosphate metabolism; at this stage, it is necessary to consult the endocrinology department to correct it timely. If rickets has already caused developmental deformities of the bones, orthopedic consultation is required for corrective treatment. For instance, if children exhibit pigeon chest, or noticeable bow legs or knock knees, they need to see an orthopedic specialist.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can rickets be cured?

Rickets refers to a nutritional disease characterized by bone lesions caused by disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism due to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. The primary treatment for rickets involves early detection and comprehensive treatment at an early stage, which is crucial. The general treatment goal is to control the active phase, prevent deformities, and avoid recurrence. Nutritional rickets due to a deficiency of vitamin D is a self-limiting disease; it can be cured once infants and young children engage in sufficient outdoor activities and supplement with vitamin D. Early detection of low vitamin D levels or abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, along with early proactive intervention, can prevent the occurrence of skeletal deformities. If sequelae are present, there is no need for medication; mild to moderate cases should strengthen physical exercise, and skeletal deformities can be corrected through active or passive rehabilitation movements. Severe skeletal deformities can be corrected through surgical treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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What foods are good for rickets?

Rickets is a global chronic nutritional disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and abnormal bone development. The main issue stems from the lack of vitamin D, which causes abnormalities in the body's calcium levels, thus it's important to ensure dietary intake of vitamin D. For early infancy, it is generally recommended to strengthen feeding practices. Infants under six months should be exclusively breastfed until six months of age, followed by timely introduction of complementary foods. Cod liver oil, which is rich in vitamin D, should be routinely supplemented starting from the second week after birth, along with regular monitoring of growth and development. As complementary foods are introduced, try to include vitamin-rich vegetables and appropriately supplement with calcium-rich foods, such as certain seafood, while being mindful of potential allergies in children. Additionally, it is beneficial to include some high-protein, nutritious foods. Most importantly, children should persist in outdoor activities to get ample sunlight and continue supplementing with cod liver oil.