PAGET'S DISEASE

PAGET’S DISEASE

Overview and Facts

Paget’s disease of bone is a disorder of the bone modeling process. The bone modeling process is the process in which new bones replace the old bones. With this, the cycle is disordered. Individuals with Paget’s disease might produce abnormal new bone in an improper location, and bones that may be dense and brittle. Paget’s disease typically happens in bones of pelvis, spine, hips, thighs, skulls, and arms. It may be present in one or more regions and can affect either the entire bone or part of it.

There is no known exact cause of it, but scientists suggest that the cause is multifactorial. The risk of getting this, however, is higher for people age above 40.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

This is often asymptomatic until it gets severe. Symptoms are identical to that of arthritis. The most common symptom is bone pain. Other signs and symptoms depend on the severity of the disease and which part of the body is affected, such as:

  • Pelvis: Hip pain
  • Skull: Headaches, and hearing impairment
  • Spine: Pain, pins-and-needles feeling, and numbness of the limbs
  • Leg: Legs may curve outward, and osteoarthritis

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose, the doctor may conduct a physical examination. Paget’s disease of bone can be detected and confirmed with a blood test, X-ray, and bone scan.

  • Blood Test: Individuals with Paget’s disease have elevated Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), which echoes the fast turnover of new bones. A blood test can tell the level of the substance ALP in your blood to help confirm a diagnosis.
  • Bone Scan: It is an imaging test that can help doctors recognize which bones have been affected by Paget’s disease. It can also discover the severity of the disease. Usually, an X-ray will be required to confirm if the scan suggests that the person has the Paget’s disease.
  • X-ray: An X-ray can reveal images of the bone, which is crucial to help confirm the disease. It will permit the doctor to evaluate whether there is a thickening, enlargement, or deformity of the bone.

TREATMENT

Individuals with Paget’s disease who do not show any signs or symptoms need no treatment. Cases of Paget’s disease that has progressed may need medical intervention. There is, however, no fix for the disease. It is irreversible. The only goal of treatment efforts on relief and mitigating complications that may arise.

 

Medication

Bisphosphonates can protect the fragile parts of the bone that cause abnormality and are at high possibility of fracture. Examples of this are:

  • Ibandronate
  • Risedronate
  • Alendronate
  • Zoledronic acid
  • Pamidronate

It is important to note that there are reported side effects in using bisphosphonate, which includes a mild stomach upset, and osteonecrosis of the jawbone. In rare cases, people still experience bone pain despite the usage of bisphosphonate.

 

Surgery

Paget’s disease increases the risk of bone fractures, deformity, and misalignment. People may need surgery to:

  • Re-align deformed bones
  • Compress nerves especially in the spine or skull
  • Treat Fractures
  • Treat malalignment of joints caused by arthritis.

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