ABOUT THE DISEASE

Paget disease is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by focal increases in bone remodelling, marked by excessive osteoclastic bone resorption and increased bone formation. Such an increased mass of bone is structurally disorganized and mechanically weak, and can result in bone pain, arthritis, bone deformity and fracture. It most commonly affects spine, pelvis, skull, or leg bones. It can be present in just one bone or in several bones. It can affect the entire bone or just part of it.The disease is more common in older people and men are more likely than women to suffer from it.

SYMPTOMS

Depending on how severe the condition is, symptoms may include:

• • stiffness in the joints
• • painful aching in the bones, more during night
• • affected site may be warmer than the rest of the body
• • bowing of the leg bones (if the legs are affected)
• • headache, hearing loss and increased head size ( if the skull is involved)
• • bone fractures

CAUSES

The cause of Pagets disease is not clear. It may be due to genetic factors or a viral infection early in life.

DIAGNOSIS

- Bone scan
- Bone x-ray
- ALP (alkaline phosphatase) isoenzyme
- Serum calcium

TREATMENT METHODS

Drug Therapy – such as Bisphosphonates, Calcitonin, Analgesics, Calcium and Vitamin D supplements.

Surgery – may be required to relieve pinched nerves or bone fractures, or to replace a joint severely affected by arthritis.

Exercise – helps to maintain skeletal health and mobility in the joints, as well as strength in the surrounding muscles.

You may also like to learn about:

Fracture
Arthritis
Genu varum (Bow legs)
Bone deformity
Bone tumor
Cauda Equina Syndrome