Paget's disease

Alternative names:

osteitis deformans

Definition:

A metabolic bone disease that involves bone destruction and regrowth that results in deformity.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of Paget's disease is unknown. Early viral infection and genetic causes have been theorized. The disease occurs worldwide, but is more common in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The disease is characterized by excessive breakdown of bone tissue, followed by abnormal bone formation. The new bone is structurally enlarged, but weakened with heavy calcification. The disease may localize to one or two areas within the skeleton, or become widespread. Frequently the pelvis, femur, tibia, vertebrae, clavicle, or humerus may be involved. Involvement of the skull may enlarge head size and cause hearing loss and blindness if the cranial nerves are damaged by the bone growth.