Description
Paget disease is an abnormality of the growth cycle of bone. Normally, bone breaks down and is rebuilt daily. In Paget disease, the bone cells break down more rapidly and regrow more rapidly than normal. This results in bone that is rebuilt in a more random fashion. As a result, individuals can experience pain, skull enlargement and bowing of the legs. Paget disease is often without symptoms and is the second most common bone disorder in people over age fifty.
Symptoms
The majority of people with Paget disease do not have symptoms. Those that do may experience bone pain, enlargement of the head, deafness, headache and bowing of the legs.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Blood tests and imaging studies are usually performed. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a bone biopsy may be recommended.
Tests:
Bone scan, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Bone biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Family Practice
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Blood tests and imaging studies are usually performed. If the diagnosis is in doubt, a bone biopsy may be recommended.
Tests:
Bone scan, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Bone biopsy
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the extent of disease and is often not needed. Over-the-counter pain medicine may be sufficient. Others may require the use of medications to reduce the activity of cells that remodel bone (alendronate, risedronate, pamidronate or calcitonin).