[1][2][3] The term "renal osteodystrophy" was coined in 1943,[4] 60 years after an association was identified between bone disease and kidney failure.

[2] On the other hand, CKD-MBD is defined as a systemic disorder of mineral and bone metabolism due to CKD manifested by either one or a combination of:1) abnormalities of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, or vitamin D metabolism;2) abnormalities in bone turnover, mineralization, volume, linear growth, or strength (renal osteodystrophy); and3) vascular or other soft-tissue calcification.

[16][17] Both high and low bone turnover diseases are observed equally in CKD patients treated by dialysis, and all types of renal osteodystrophy are associated with an increased risk of skeletal fractures, reduced quality of life, and poor clinical outcomes.

[16] Renal osteodystrophy is usually diagnosed after treatment for end-stage kidney disease begins; however the CKD-MBD starts early in the course of CKD.

[1][6] In advanced stages, blood tests will indicate decreased calcium and calcitriol (vitamin D) and increased phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels.