Paget's Disease of Bone - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Paget's Disease of Bone

Paget's Disease of Bone Description

(Osteitis Deformans)

Bone in scattered parts of the body becomes thickened and soft, causing compression of nerves and collapse of those bones that support weight.

Paget's Disease of Bone Cause

No known cause, but unusual under 60 years of age.

Paget's Disease of Bone Symptom

Very insidious onset, may be quite advanced before diagnosis, and can vary from very mild to rapidly progressive. The skull, thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) are often involved, giving a characteristic head appearance and bowing of the legs as they bend under the body's weight. Skull enlargement causes pressure on nerves and a constant headache. Fractures may occur with only slight injury, and the back becomes bent and deformed.

Investigation

Diagnosis made on the characteristic X-ray appearance. Blood tests show specific chemical imbalances, including excess calcium.

Paget's Disease of Bone Treatment

Medications such as disodium etidronate are taken regularly for the rest of the patient's. life to control the disease.

Complications

Excess calcium may cause kidney damage, extra blood flow to the bones can cause circulatory and heart problems, and a small number of patients develop a form of bone cancer.

Prognosis of Paget's Disease of Bone

Drugs slow disease progress, but there is no cure. The earlier it occurs in life, the more likely it is to be severe.