Bone Diseases & Disorders

Bone disorders such as osteoporosis can occur at any age, putting nearly 44 million Americans at risk, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Some bone disorders have no symptoms initially, so it's important to know what to look for. Consult with your physician if you observe signs of any of the mentioned disorders.

Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when bone becomes porous, causing the bone to become fragile, which increases the risk of fracture. The bone becomes porous when resorption of old bone occurs too fast for new bone to form. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because bone loss can happen with no warning signs or symptoms. Most patients do not even know they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. Treatment includes exercise and a diet that includes calcium and Vitamin D, both of which help strengthen bones. Medications are also used to treat and prevent bone loss.

Bone Cancer

• In bone cancer, normal bone tissue is destroyed by tumors. These tumors are sometimes caused by cancer therapy. Most instances of bone cancer are noncancerous, but they all cause pain associated with the tumor in the bone. Swelling and persistent pain can sometimes be symptoms of bone cancer. The usual treatment for bone cancer is to remove the entire tumor, making sure that no cancer is left behind. Like most cancers, sometimes chemotherapy and radiation are used to shrink tumors before surgery. Certain bone cancers, such as chondrosarcoma, do not respond to chemotherapy and radiation; therefore, surgery is the only option for treating these cancers.

Paget's Disease

• Paget's disease is a chronic disorder that causes the bones to become deformed and enlarged. The cause of Paget's disease is currently unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a viral infection. Symptoms of Paget's disease can vary but they commonly include pain in the affected area, headaches and hearing loss when the disease affects the skull. Bones affected by Paget's disease are also more susceptible to fracture. Treatments for Paget's disease include medication to inhibit bone resorption and surgery to realign and shape the bone.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

• Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, occurs when bones break easily with no specified cause. Though the precise cause is unknown, it's believed to be related to a genetic defect that causes bone collagen to be imperfect or deformed. Symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta, in addition to brittle bones, include a triangular face shape, spinal curvature, an abnormally small chest and stature in newborns, severe hearing loss between the ages of 20 and 30, and problems with the teeth. Because there is no cure for osteogenesis imperfecta, the goal is to prevent deformities with physical therapy and braces. Fractures are mended and long bones are stabilized with a metal bar.

Osteonecrosis

• Osteonecrosis is caused by a loss of the blood supply to a bone. Some causes of this blood loss can include injury, pressure inside the bone and alcohol and steroid use. In the beginning, it may be increasingly painful to put weight on the bone. As necrosis continues, loss of the use of the bone or joint can take place. Blood thinners are sometimes used to prevent blood clots that may block blood supply to the bone. Core decompression surgery is used to relieve pressure in the bone and increase some blood flow.