Dictionary

ossify To harden.

osteitis Inflammation of the bone.

osteitis deformans See Paget’s disease.

osteitis fibrosa cystica A condition that is associated with excessive parathyroid hormone production (hyperparathyroidism), in which bone tissue becomes soft and deformed. Treatment is directed toward the underlying parathyroid condition and relieving any bone pain.

osteo- Prefix meaning bone, as in osteogenesis (the production of bone) and osteosarcoma (cancer arising in the bone).

osteoarthritis See arthritis, degenerative.

osteoarthropathy Any disease of the bones and joints. From osteo-, bone + -arthro-, joint, + pathy, disease.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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…