Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder in which there is decrease in bone mass and density. As a result, the bones become fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis can affect anyone at any age, but it is most often seen in older women. Osteoporosis is a silent disease because it shows no visible symptoms until you break a bone in the hip, spine or wrist. Certain risk factors such as old age, body size, certain medicines, ethnicity--being white or Asian--and family history put individuals at a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis.
Paget’s Disease of Bone
Paget’s disease is a bone disorder in which the normal cycle of bone growth is disrupted. As a result, the bone cells increase in number and become larger than normal. The bones become weaker and are more likely to break than normal healthy bones. Paget’s disease can originate in any bone, but it is more common in the spine, pelvis, skull and legs. Furthermore, Paget’s disease does not spread to healthy bones. The cause of Paget’s disease is unknown. The disease tends to run in families. It is also surmised that Paget’s disease is caused due to a slow viral infection of the bone.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as “brittle bone” disorder, is a rare genetic disorder affecting the connective tissue. People with this condition have fragile, brittle and easily fractured bones. Osteogenesis imperfecta results from a genetic defect that affects the body’s production of collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein that occurs in vertebrates as the chief constituent of connective tissue fibrils and in bones. There is no cure for osteogenesis imperfecta, but the treatment goals should involve caring for fractures and deformities, and maximizing independent mobility.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia, a bone metabolic disease, is characterized by the softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D or incomplete bone mineralization. In the young, it is analogous to rickets. A diet low in vitamin D is the most common cause of osteomalacia worldwide. Bones need calcium and phosphorus to remain healthy and strong, but the body also needs vitamin D to be able to absorb these two minerals. Osteomalacia causes fatigue and pain in the back, ribs and hips. The treatment involves the intake of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus supplements, taken by mouth.
References
- NIH Senior Health: Osteoporosis
- Medline Plus: Osteoporosis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoporosis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Paget's Disease of Bone
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteogenesis Imperfecta
