Disorders of the skeletal bone can either be present at birth or can be acquired during any time of life. Bone is made up of inorganic and organic materials. The inorganic materials include hydroxyapatite crystals that are primarily made of calcium, which give bone its structural hardness. The organic contents of bone include collagen and cells. Disorders can occur involving either inorganic or organic components of bone.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder of decreased bone mineral density. The bone matrix is weakened and patients are predisposed to fractures. The treatment of osteoporosis is calcium and vitamin D supplementation, bisphosphonates, and calcitonin.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection. The time course for osteomyelitis can be either acute or chronic, depending upon how the infection starts. It is usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, but can be caused by other bacteria and fungal species. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics or surgery to help to remove the diseased portion of bone. Advanced osteomyelitis can require a patient to have an amputation of the affected limb.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic defect in type 1 collagen that causes bone to be weak. Osteogenesis imperfecta is known as brittle bone disease. Symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta include multiple fractures, short stature, scoliosis, tooth defects, hearing defects, and ligamentous laxity, according to the "Review of Orthopaedics." There is no current cure for osteogenesis imperfecta, but treatment includes management and prevention of fractures, bracing extremities to prevent deformities, and a variety of surgical interventions to protect bone growth.
Achondroplasia
Achondroplasia is a genetic condition of abnormal bone development that leads to dwarfism. The defect in achrondroplasia is in fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, according to the "AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review." The bone does not grow normally, leading to patients with a normal sized trunk but short limbs and a variety of other anatomically differing features.
Osteopetrosis
Osteopetrosis is a disorder of failed bone resorption by bone cells known as osteoclasts. The bones become very dense and are more susceptible to fractures, according to "Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics." Treatment includes bone marrow transplants and bisphosphonates.
Rickets
Rickets or osteomalacia is a deficiency of vitamin D that results in a decrease in calcium and sometimes phosphorus in bone. Rickets is a condition of altered bone mineralization. In children, the bones can be brittle and can become bowed. Treatment is usually by vitamin D supplementation and monitoring the diet.
References
- Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics: Osteopetrosis
- "AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review", Dr. Jay Lieberman (ed.); 2008.
- "Clinically Oreinted Anatomy"; Dr. Keith Moore and Dr. Arthur Dalley (eds.); 2006.
- "Review of Orthopaedics", Dr. Mark Miller; 2008.
