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Paget’s disease

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

X-ray
X-ray

Alternative Names    Return to top

Osteitis deformans

Definition    Return to top

Paget's disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth, which results in deformity.

Causes    Return to top

The cause of Paget's disease is unknown, although it might have to do with genes or a viral infection early in life.

The disease occurs worldwide, but is more common in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

In people with Paget's disease, there is an abnormal breakdown of bone tissue, followed by abnormal bone formation. The new bone is bigger, but weakened and filled with new blood vessels.

The disease may only be in one or two areas of the skeleton, or throughout the body. It often involves bones of the:

Symptoms    Return to top

Note: Most patients have no symptoms.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Tests that may indicate Paget's disease include:

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

Treatment    Return to top

Not all patients need treatment. For example, patients who have abnormal blood tests only may not need treatment.

People with Paget's disease who are commonly treated include:

Drug therapy helps prevent further bone breakdown. Currently, there are several classes of medications used in the treatment of Paget's disease. These include:

Analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) may also be given for pain.

Localized Paget's disease needs no treatment, if there are no symptoms and no evidence of active disease. Orthopedic surgery may be required to correct a specific deformity in severe cases.

Support Groups    Return to top

For additional support and resources, see the Paget Foundation.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Disease activity and symptoms can generally be controlled with current medications. A small percentage of patients may develop a cancer of the bone called osteosarcoma. Some patients will need joint replacement surgery.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Paget's disease.

References    Return to top

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

Update Date: 3/19/2008

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (12/6/2007).

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