What is Paget’s disease of the bone (osteitis deformans)

Paget's Disease, also known as osteitis deformans, is a kind of bone disease. This disorder affects the body's normal recycling process, in which new bone tissue replaces old bone tissue gradually. Over time, bones can become weak and deformed. The pelvis, head, spine, and legs are the most commonly affected.

Paget's disease primarily affects adults over 55 and is the second most prevalent metabolic bone condition after osteoporosis. The probability of developing Paget's disease bone increases with age and if other family members have the ailment.

However, for unknown reasons, the disease has become less common recently and is less severe. Complications such as broken bones, hearing loss, and pinched nerves in the spine are all possible.


Symptoms

Paget's Disease of the bone may have minor or no symptoms in the early stages. If symptoms do occur, they may include the following:

  • Pain in the bones,
  • Joints pain,
  • Headache,
  • Increased bone size in the thighs and lower legs,
  • Bone bending in the thighs and lower legs
  • Enlarged skull at the region of the forehead

The following symptoms might develop in later stages:

  • Increased bowing of affected limbs
  • Waddling gait
  • Arthritis
  • Fractures
  • Sensory changes
  • Muscular difficulties
  • Hearing loss
  • Curved spine

When To See The Doctor?

Talk to your doctor if you have the following:

  • Pain in your bones and joints
  • Tingling and weakness in an extremity
  • Bone deformities
  • Unexplained hearing loss,

Causes

There are no known particular causes of Paget's Disease; however, several theories exist. Doctors think age, genetics, and environmental factors are part of the condition's development.


Risk Factors

Risk factors include

  • Age : It is more common in adults over 40 and rare in people below this age. It affects about 3% of people older than 60.
  • Family history : In up to 40% of cases, another family member has the Disease.
  • Gender : It is more common in men compared to women.
  • Environmental Factors : Research suggests a potential link between environmental factors and Paget's Disease of the bone.

Complications

Paget's Disease bone usually advances slowly. In almost all cases, the Disease can be adequately controlled, and complications are possible.

  • Fractures and deformities : Fractures and deformities : Affected bones break more efficiently, and the additional blood arteries in these malformed bones lead them to bleed more during healing procedures. Leg bones might bow, impairing your ability to walk.

  • Osteoarthritis : Osteoarthritis : Misshapen bones can strain adjacent joints, causing osteoarthritis.

  • Neurological problems : When Paget's Disease of bone occurs at a site where nerves pass through the bone, such as the spine or skull, the overgrowth of bone can compress and harm the nerve, leading to arm or leg discomfort, paralysis, or tingling, as well as hearing loss

  • Heart failure : If you suffer from severe heart failure, your heart may have to work harder to pump blood to the damaged portions of your body. This increased workload might sometimes result in heart failure.
    Bone cancer occurs in up to 1% of persons with Paget's Disease of the bones.

Prevention

In most cases, Paget's Disease cannot be avoided. Exercise, on the other hand, can help maintain skeletal health, reduce weight gain, relieve strain on joints and bones, and maintain joint mobility.

People with Paget's Disease should see their doctor before beginning any fitness regimen since putting extra stress on bones affected by the Disease might result in harm.


Diagnosis

Paget's Disease is often found when a person sees a doctor for a problem such as hip or back pain. An abnormal X-ray or blood test may lead the doctor to discover this Disease. To diagnose Paget's Disease, the doctor will ask about your past health, do a physical exam, and order tests such as

  • Physical examination : A musculoskeletal exam may be performed by your doctor to check for joint tenderness, pain, swelling, or abnormalities.
  • Medical history : A doctor will inquire about the family history to identify your risk of Paget's Disease.
  • Blood test : Blood test : Serum alkaline phosphatase is a blood test that examines the amounts of alkaline phosphatase in the bone. Alkaline phosphatase levels will rise in any disorder that causes bone growth or increased activity of bone cells, including Paget disease.
  • Urine tests : Certain urine tests can check for signs of Paget's Disease.
  • Bone biopsy : Biopsies of the bones are occasionally performed using a needle, numbing medication, or sedation. They are sometimes performed in the operating room using tiny incisions.
  • Bone scan : Bone scan : This nuclear imaging test employs a tracer, a small quantity of radioactive material injected into the blood. This tracer is detectable via a scanner. This test demonstrates blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone.
  • X-ray : This test creates pictures of tissues, bones, and organs using invisible electromagnetic radiation rays.

Treatment

Medication, physical therapy, and surgical treatments may be used to treat Paget's illness. Changes in diet and exercise can help to lower the risk of problems. The severity of your ailment determines the best treatments. Your doctor might recommend

  • Physical Therapy : Physical therapy may be recommended by the doctor to reduce pain, strengthen the body, enhance mobility, and avoid injury.
  • Diet : There's no special diet for Paget's Disease of the bone. But it's essential to get enough calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones.
  • Assistive devices : A cane may be helpful if you have symptoms in your pelvis or leg. A brace can also help reduce pain.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage mild bone pain. This includes medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
  • Medication : The doctor may give medicines in addition to other Paget's disease bone treatments. Medication aims to alleviate pain and inflammation. The doctor may prescribe bisphosphonates to delay the growth of the disease in more severe cases.
  • Surgery : Surgery may be performed to treat Paget's Disease complications. This includes fractures, deformed bone, and severe arthritis surgery.

Care At Medicover

We have the most experienced team of doctors and healthcare specialists at Medicover Hospitals, skilled in providing the best medical treatment to patients while demonstrating compassion and care. Our diagnostic department is outfitted with cutting-edge technology and equipment to conduct the required tests to diagnose Paget's Disease. Our outstanding team comprises orthopedics, other specialists who utilize a systematic and multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat the issue. They give precise conventional treatment for this condition, giving desirable results.

Citations

Paget's Disease of Bone Paget's Disease of Bone Paget's Disease of Bone: A Review of Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Management PMC3383486 Paget’s Disease Paget's disease of bone Paget's Disease of Bone: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paget's Disease fatal?

If treatment occurs before significant bone changes occur, most patients with Paget's Disease can live an everyday, active life.

What causes Paget's Disease?

The cause of Paget's Disease bone is unknown, and scientists suspect a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the Disease.

What is one of the most severe complications of Paget's Disease?

If Paget's Disease of the Bone affects the skull, there is a high risk of permanent hearing loss and possibly permanent deafness.

Can Paget's Disease be cured permanently?

There is no cure for Paget's Disease of the Bone at present, however treatment may help relieve symptoms.

Is Pagets an autoimmune disease?

Paget's Disease of Bone is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes an increase in bone reabsorption.


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