Paget’s disease
Paget’s disease is a metabolic disease of the bone also known as osteitis deformans. It involves a rapid breakdown and regret of bone tissue resulting in thickening, weakening and deformity of affected bone. The bone that grows is dense but brittle and prone to easy breaking. Paget’s affects men more often than women, is usually diagnosed in people over age 40, and runs in families. Approximately one and a half to eight percent of older adults have Paget’s with the incidence being greater with increasing age. Paget’s usually affects bones in the pelvis, spine, skull and lower legs although any bone can be affected. The greatest incidence is in the pelvis.
The cause of Paget’s is not known although it is speculated a virus from years before any symptoms occur may be the culprit. Researchers have found the gene they believe to be associated with an increased risk of developing Paget’s and it is suggested any person with family members with the disease be tested after age forty.
Paget’s is associated with several associated conditions including arthritis, heart valve disease, loose teeth, vision and hearing problems caused by the thickening of the skull pressing on nerves, high calcium levels, kidney stones and others.
Symptoms may include bone pain, problems with hearing or vision, headaches, back pain and boney deformities such as bowing of the legs. Blood calcium levels are elevated. The most common symptom is pain in the affected area. Symptoms generally progress very slowly and some people with Paget’s have no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis is made by X-ray, bone scan, lab work and possibly bone biopsy. The bone affected by Paget’s will appear denser on x-ray and bone scan. Serum Alkaline Phosphatase or a SAP blood test which measures an enzyme made by bone cells can be done and is recommended for family members over 40 of a suffering relative.
Treatment of Paget’s disease includes medications to slow bone breakdown such as Fosamax, Actonel and other such medications. Anti-inflammatory such as Advil and Naproxen may be given along with narcotics for pain relief. Physical therapy to maintain function and strengthen muscles may be advised. Regular exercise is important in maintaining bone strength. If nerves are being compressed by boney growth surgery may be needed to relieve pressure of the affected nerve. The goal of treatment is to maintain function and prevent further deformity. Maintaining a healthy diet with the proper amount of calcium and vitamin D, exercising under the guidance of your doctor, and making your home as safe as possible to prevent unnecessary falls or injuries can all help in the course of the disease.
There is no way to prevent Paget’s disease and it is a chronic condition, however the prognosis with proper and early diagnosis and treatment is very good.
Sources:
<http://www.nku.edu/~rad350/Paget'sDiseaseBP.html>
http://www.paget.org/
This article is meant to be informational and is not medical advice. Always follow up with your doctor for any questions regarding your health.
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