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Paget Disease

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Paget Disease

(Osteitis Deformans)

Definition

Paget disease (PD) is a condition that leaves bones weak. Over time, the bones may bend. Early treatment can improve outcomes.

PD affects the bones of the:

  • Pelvis
  • Legs
  • Skull
  • Spine
Normal Bone Structure.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Bone Matrixhttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=73147314si55550488.jpgsi55550488.jpgNULLjpgsi55550488.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si55550488.jpgNULL65NULL2008-11-07261400Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Normal bone is always being broken down and built again. With PD, bones are broken down too fast. New bone is loose and bulky instead of strong and compact. This leaves bones weak and prone to bending over time.

The exact cause is not known. It may be due to a viral infection, such as the measles.

Risk Factors

PD is more common in people who are over 50 years of age. It usually happens in people of European descent.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • A faulty gene
  • Having a family member with PD, such as a parent, sibling, or child
  • Certain infections
  • Exposure to environmental toxins
  • Trauma to the bones
  • Tobacco use

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:

  • Bone and joint pain
  • Bones that do not look the way they should
  • Problems hearing

Diagnosis

In people without symptoms, PD is sometimes found during tests for other conditions.

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests will be done to look for abnormalities.

Images of the bones are used to diagnose the condition. They will be taken with:

Treatment

There is no cure for PD. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Options are:

  • Medicines to:
    • Ease pain
    • Prevent bone loss and keep the disease from getting worse
  • Calcium and vitamin D supplements
  • Assistive devices, such as canes and shoe lifts

Other therapies, such as acupuncture, may be used to ease pain.

People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery to realign bones.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent this health problem.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Paget disease of bone. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/paget-disease-of-bone.
  • Paget's disease of bone overview. NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center website. Available at: https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/pagets/patient-info.
  • Singer FR. The evaluation and treatment of Paget's disease of bone. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2020;34(3):101506.

Contributors

  • Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.