Dictionary

osteodystrophy, renal A bone disorder that adversely affects bone growth and is caused by chronic kidney failure (renal disease). Osteodystrophy can require treatment with vitamin D. Also known as kidney osteodystrophy.

osteogenesis The production of bone.

osteogenesis imperfecta A group of inherited connective tissue diseases, all of which result from mutations that affect collagen in connective tissue in the body, and all of which result in fragile bones. The best known types of osteogenesis imperfecta are types I and II. Also known as brittle bone disease.

osteogenesis imperfecta congenita See osteogenesis imperfecta type II.

osteogenesis imperfecta tarda See osteogenesis imperfecta type I.

osteogenesis imperfecta type I A type of osteogenesis imperfecta that features bone fragility and blue sclerae (bluish whites of the eyes). Osteogenesis imperfecta type I is the classic, mild form of brittle bone disease. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is characterized by fragile bones that are predisposed to fracture, the onset…

osteogenesis imperfecta type II A type of osteogenesis imperfecta that features very severe bone fragility. Osteogenesis imperfecta type II is the lethal form of brittle bone disease. The disease is characterized by short-limb dwarfism, thin skin, a soft skull, unusually large fontanels (soft spots), blue sclerae (bluish whites of the eyes), small nose, low nasal…

osteogenesis imperfecta with blue sclerae See osteogenesis imperfecta type II.

osteogenic sarcoma See osteosarcoma.

osteoid osteoma A benign tumor of bone tissue. Osteoid osteoma emerges most often in a person’s teens or 20s and is found most frequently in the femur and in males. Symptoms include pain, mostly at night. Diagnosis is made via X-ray. Most cases do not require invasive treatment, but just the use of analgesics to…

osteomalacia Softening of the bone. Osteomalacia may be caused by poor diet, lack of vitamin D, or inadequate absorption of calcium and other minerals needed to harden bones. Treatment includes dietary change and sometimes vitamin and mineral supplements. See also osteoporosis.

osteomyelitis Inflammation of the bone due to infection, for example, by the bacteria salmonella or staphylococcus. Osteomyelitis is sometimes a complication of surgery or injury, although infection can also reach bone tissue through the bloodstream. Both the bone and the bone marrow may be infected. Symptoms include deep pain and muscle spasms in the area…