Paget disease of the bone refers to a chronic disorder in the bone which results in the bones becoming deformed and enlarged. Due to excessive deformation and breaking down of bone, although the bone might become dense, it will still remain fragile. After osteoporosis, the paget disease is amongst the most commonly reported bone disorders in adults that are older than the age of 50.
What causes Paget disease of the bone?
Although, the exact reason behind Paget disease of the bone is still unknown. it might be the result of a slow viral infection of bone, genetics could also play a major role.
What are the symptoms of Paget disease of the bone?
Here is a list of the most commonly reported symptoms of Paget disease of the bone:
● Bone deformity
● Pain
● Arthritis
● Risk for bone fractures
In a few very rare cases, Paget disease might progress to bone cancer.
The symptoms of Paget disease of the bone may seem similar to several other medical problems or bone disorders. So it is best to always talk to your orthopaedist or doctor for a detailed diagnosis.
How is Paget disease of the bone diagnosed?
Your orthopaedist will start by reviewing your medical history and then may also perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:
● Bone biopsy. Sometimes these biopsies are conducted with a needle, either by sedation or by using numbing medicine only. In a few cases, they are also done through small incisions in the operating room. A bone biopsy may be required in case an X-ray does not rule out or confirm the disease.
● Blood test. A blood test known as serum alkaline phosphatase helps in measuring the levels of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase present in the bone. Any condition in which there is an increased activity of bone cells or even bone growth in some cases, including Paget disease, will result in the alkaline phosphatase levels rising.
● Bone scan. This type of nuclear imaging test makes use of a tiny amount of radioactive material known as tracer that is injected into the blood. This tracer can be detected with the help of a scanner. This test shows cell activity inside the bone including blood flow to the bone.
● X-ray. This test utilises invisible energy beams in order to create images of tissues, organs, and bones.
How is Paget disease of the bone treated?
Treatment will depend on many factors like your general health, symptoms, and age. In a few cases, it might also depend on how severe the condition actually is.
Treatment may include:
● Physical therapy in order to help with increasing the strength of the muscle
● Medicines to reduce or manage pain
● Medicines to help in slowing the abnormal bone resorption
● Surgery to cut, replace or realign affected bone
Key points about Paget disease of the bone
Paget disease of the bone mainly refers to a chronic disorder of the bone, resulting in the bones becoming enlarged and deformed.
● Treatment may include physical therapy in order to help in gaining back that lost muscle strength and also medication in order to reduce pain.
● It might show symptoms like joint pain.
● It could also be the result of a slow viral infection of the bone.
● Sometimes surgery may also be recommended if there is a need to cut, replace or realign affected bone.
If you are a parent and are worried about your child’s bone health, or if you yourself have weak bones, then you need to visit an orthopaedic surgeon, especially if you're dealing with the above-mentioned symptoms. Please be assured that our specialist doctors at 1 Health Medical Centre will diagnose your condition and recommend the way forward.