Paget disease of bone

[Couch Potatoe]

Paget disease of bone is a chronic disorder of the skeleton in which areas of bone undergo abnormal turnover, resulting in areas of enlarged and softened bone.

The breakdown and formation of bone increase, resulting in bones that are thicker, but weaker, than normal.
Symptoms may be absent or may include bone pain, bone deformity, arthritis, and painful nerve compression.
X-rays show the bone abnormalities.
Pain and complications are treated, and bisphosphonates may be given.

Paget disease can affect any bone, but the most commonly affected bones are the pelvis, thighbone (femur), and skull. The shin (tibia), spine (vertebrae), collarbone (clavicle), and upper arm bone (humerus) are affected less commonly.
Paget disease rarely occurs in people younger than 40. In the United States, about 1% of people older than 40 have the disorder, and the prevalence increases with age. However, the prevalence of the disease seems to be decreasing. Men are 50% more likely than women to develop it. Paget disease is more common in Europe (excluding Scandinavia), Australia, and New Zealand.