Paget's Disease

Overview

Paget's disease is a condition where the normal cycle of an old bone tissue been replaced by the new ones are disrupted causing bones to become fragile and fractures over time. It commonly affects the legs, spine, pelvis and skull.

Signs and Symptoms

Common complaint will be bone pain, Hip pain, Headaches, Hearing loss, Tingling & numbness in arm or leg, Bending of leg causing bowleg appearance

Common Causes

Environmental factors, Genetic factors , Viral infection in bone cells

Risk Factors

Age- People older than 40 are most likely to develop Paget's disease of bone, Sex- Men are more commonly affected than are women, National origin- Paget's disease of bone is more common in England, Scotland, central Europe and Greece, Family history.-More likely to develop the condition if you have a relative who has Paget's disease of bone

Investigation Techniques

Lab Test (elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase), X-rays, Bone scan, Serum marker for bone formation [Procollagen I N -terminal peptide (PINP)]

Treatment and Prevention

Alendronate (Fosamax), Ibandronate(Boniva), Pamidronate(Aredia), Risedronate(Actonel), Zoledronic acid(Zometa, Reclast) In rare cases, surgery might be required too