Axial Skeleton Disease

The human skeletal system contains 206 bones and is comprised of two parts: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The appendicular skeleton includes the arm, shoulder, pelvis and leg bones. The axial skeleton includes the skull, vertebral column, sternum and ribs. The axial skeleton is named for the bones that lay in the long axis of the body. Similar to other body structures, the axial skeleton is susceptible to disease, according to the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

Function

• Bone is a rigid structure that creates the framework for the human body. The axial skeleton provides protection for the brain, spinal column and internal organs. Bones produce red blood cells and antibodies. Bones store fat and minerals, such as calcium, that are needed to balance body's internal environment or homeostasis, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Congenital Disease

• Congenital diseases in the axial skeleton are malformations of bones or groups of bones that occur during fetal development. Spina Bifida results from a failure of the neural tube or forming vertebrae to close fully around the nerves of the spinal column, which leaves an open wound. Scoliosis is another congenital disease. Scoliosis causes an S-shaped curvature of the spine. Polydactyly, which results in extra fingers, and ectrodactyly, which results in malformations and missing parts of the hands and/or feet, are other examples of congenital disorders, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Acquired Disease

• Acquired diseases of the axial skeleton have varying sources. Infection such as tuberculosis can cause severe deformity of the spine. Osteoarthritis can cause pain and lack of mobility. Tumors---benign and malignant---are known to affect the axial spine, most often originating elsewhere in the body, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Causes

• The causes of axial skeleton disorders are as varied as the diseases themselves. Congenital disorders---extra finger formations or malformation of the hands or feet---can be caused by inherited genetic mutations. Nutritional deficiencies can cause congenital and acquired diseases; spina bifida has been shown to result from a folic acid deficiency during gestation, while rickets result from inadequate intake of Vitamin D. Some diseases such as osteoarthritis can result from trauma. In many cases, the cause of axial skeleton disease is unknown, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Treatments

• Infections can be treated with antibiotics and tumors may be treated with chemotherapy and radiation, according to the National Cancer Institute. Severe scoliosis is treated by fitting and wearing a back brace during adolescence. Rickets are treated with vitamin D supplementation. In many cases of malformations, however, no treatment is available. In certain instances, prevention of axial skeletal disease is possible. Spina Bifida can be prevented by insuring adequate intake of folic acid during pregnancy, according to the Spina Bifida Association.