osteodystrophy A bone disorder that adversely affects bone growth and development. Osteodystrophy is most commonly caused by chronic kidney failure, but it can be inherited, such as in Albright hereditary osteodystrophy. Osteodystrophy can require treatment with vitamin D. See also osteodystrophy, renal.
osteocyte A bone cell.
osteoclastoma A tumor of bone characterized by massive destruction of the end (epiphysis) of a long bone. The site most commonly struck by this tumor is the knee — the far end of the femur and the near end of the tibia. The tumor is often coated by new bony growth and may grow aggressively….
osteoclast A type of large bone cell that plays a role in the growth and repair of bones. Osteoclasts may also appear abnormally. See also osteoclastoma.
osteoclasis The surgical destruction of bone tissue. Osteoclasis is performed to reconstruct a bone that is malformed, often a broken bone that healed improperly. The bone is broken and then reshaped with the aid of metal pins, casting, and bracing.
osteoclasia Destruction and reabsorption of bone tissue, as occurs when broken bones heal.
osteochondrosis Any disease that affects the progress of bone growth by killing bone tissue. Osteochondrosis is seen only in children and teens whose bones are still growing.
osteochondromatosis A condition that is characterized by multiple benign tumors of cartilage, called osteochondromas, projecting from bone, most often from near the ends of long bones. In a small proportion of cases, an osteochondroma may become malignant. Also known as multiple exostoses. The condition can be hereditary, in which case it is called hereditary multiple…
osteochondroma An abnormal, solitary, benign growth of bone and cartilage, typically at the end of a long bone. Osteochondromas are usually discovered in persons 15 to 25 years of age and are the most common benign bone tumor. An osteochondroma is typically detected when the area around it is injured or when it becomes large.
osteochondritis dissecans A condition in which a fragment of bone in a joint is deprived of blood and separates from the rest of the bone, causing soreness and making the joint give way. Diagnosis is made via X-ray. Treatment usually involves casting, although if the fragment has detached completely, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary. Abbreviated…
osteoblastoma A noncancerous tumor in bone tissue. Osteoblastomas are small and are seen most frequently in children and young adults. Symptoms include pain and bone-mass reduction. Treatment includes surgery, sometimes followed by chemotherapy.
osteoblast A cell that makes bone. It does so by producing a matrix that then becomes mineralized. Bone mass is maintained by a balance between the activity of osteoblasts that form bone and other cells called osteoclasts that break it down.