The skeletal system is composed of the bones in the human body. It provides the biological architecture for the rest of the body's tissues and organs. As such, it helps to protect internal organs from trauma and helps in the body's motor functions, like movement and balance. The main categories of diseases that affect the skeletal system include infections, weakness (osteoporosis), neoplasm (cancer), and fractures.
Fractures
Most fractures are the results of direct trauma to the bone, although certain medical conditions, like osteoporosis, can debilitate the bone in such a way that even routine movement can cause a break. Fractures are classified as closed or open. In closed fractures, the skin overlying the bone remains intact; in open fractures, there is a break in the skin that communicates the outside to the bone cavity. Open fractures require antibiotic therapy to prevent infection. Most fractures require immobilization to help the bone heal. Displaced fractures, in which the fractured ends are not adjacent to each other, require surgical correction. Other types of fractures include compression fractures, which usually occur as vertebrae in the spine are afflicted with osteoporosis and collapse on each other.
Infection
Bacterial Infection of the bone is called osteomyelitis. Bacteria can infect the bone cavity in one of three ways: by direct insertion of bacteria due to trauma; by spreading from a blood infection (bacteremia) into the bone; and by spreading from an infected area close to the bone. Osteomyelitis is a serious condition that can cause severe bone damage and chronic disability. The treatment for osteomyelitis includes thoroughly cleaning the infected site in the operating room and long-term antibiotic therapy.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become brittle and easier to break. This condition primarily affects older women. Other risk factors include menopause, smoking, lack of exercise and nutritional deficiencies. Inadequate calcium intake can precipitate the deteriorating changes associated with osteoporosis.
Cancer
The most common bone cancers are multiple myeloma and osteosarcoma. Multiple myeloma is a tumor of the bone marrow. It can involve any bone and usually happens to older patients. Osteosarcoma patients are usually teenagers, and it tends to appear around the knee, the hip or the shoulder. Most patients with bone cancer complain of pain at the site, which usually leads to X-rays and other studies that establish the diagnosis.
