Paget's disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth, which results in deformity.
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:
Note: Most patients have no symptoms.
Tests that may indicate Paget's disease include:
This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:
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 to treat 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 needed to correct a deformity in severe cases.
For additional support and resources, see the Paget Foundation.
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.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Paget's disease.
Osteitis deformans