Paget’s disease

Paget’s disease A chronic bone disorder that typically results in enlarged, deformed bones due to excessive breakdown and formation of bone tissue that can cause bones to weaken and may result in bone pain, arthritis, bony deformities, and fractures. Paget’s disease generally occurs in persons over the age of 40 years. Men and women are affected equally. Paget’s disease can be diagnosed by using one or more of the following tests: X-rays, because bone in Paget’s disease has a characteristic appearance; alkaline phosphatase tests, because an elevated level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can be suggestive of Paget’s disease; and bone scans. The bisphosphonate drugs, which slow the rate of bone breakdown and turnover, are the first line of treatment. Treatment can control Paget’s disease and lessen symptoms, but there is no cure. Also known as osteitis deformans.