SKELETAL SYSTEM: PAGET'S DISEASE

Skeletal System: Paget Disease

Skeletal System: Paget Disease

Introduction

Paget's disease of bone is a chronic disorder that often results in enlarged and deformed bones. The excessive breakdown and formation of bone tissue that occurs with Paget's disease can cause bones to weaken. This, in turn, can lead to bone pain, arthritis, deformities and fractures.

Normally, cells that break down old bone (osteoclasts) and cells that form new bone (osteoblasts) work in balance to maintain bone structure and integrity. In Paget's disease, both osteoclasts and osteoblasts become overactive in some areas of bone, and the rate at which bone is broken down and rebuilt in these areas increases tremendously. The overactive areas enlarge but are structurally abnormal and therefore weaker than normal areas. In Paget's disease, more bone breaks down than usual and more new bone forms than usual. These changes in the bone can lead to bone enlargement and deformity. The new bone growth tends to be softer and more fragile than normal bone, and can develop in a haphazard pattern. Because of this, the bone can fracture. The long bones, especially the legs, tend to bow, and the skull may enlarge, particularly over the forehead.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), Paget's disease of bone may be caused by a viral infection. There is also a hereditary factor, since the disease may appear in more than one family member. It is most common in people over the age of 40. Sometimes, there are no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, NIAMS says they can include any of the following:

Bone pain is the most common symptom and can occur in any bone affected by the disease.

Headaches may occur when Paget's disease affects the skull.

Hearing loss may occur when Paget's disease affects the ...