The skeletal system is composed of the bones and joints of the body, including the ligaments that hold them together. In contrast to the dried-up bones we tend to picture when referring to the skeleton, the skeletal system is a dynamic system that is responsible for a multitude of important bodily functions. As an active, living organization of tissues, the skeletal system is subject to a wide variety of ailments.
Developmental Conditions
Developmental conditions include abnormalities that occur during growth and maturation of the skeletal system. Examples are such conditions as flat feet, "pigeon toes" and scoliosis. There may be genetic predispositions for some developmental conditions. Treatment often depends on the severity of the condition and may range from bracing to surgery.
Degenerative Conditions
Terry Yochum and Lindsay Rowe, authors of the text "Essentials of Skeletal Radiology," consider degenerative joint disease by far the most commonly encountered pathological joint affliction. This malady, often referred to as "osteoarthritis," tends to affect the small joints of the hands as well as the larger weight-bearing joints including the hips, knees and the joints of the spine. This condition is generally attributed to "wear and tear" rather than active inflammation. Weight loss and activity modification may be helpful treatments. Medications, whether prescribed or over the counter, address the symptoms but do not necessarily alter the course of this progressive ailment.
Inflammatory Conditions
Joint destruction marked by episodes of inflammation is classified as inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type in this category. The Merck Manual cites autoimmune disease as the most probable underlying cause of inflammatory arthritis, though the exact cause is not fully understood. In these cases, the body's own immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, damage and often deformity. These complex conditions are often managed by medical specialists known as rheumatologists.
Infections
Infections of bones or joints can be very destructive and are treated aggressively. Bacterial infections may occur after fractures or other trauma, especially in the case of an "open" fracture in which a fracture fragment breaks through the skin and becomes exposed to the infectious agent. Surgery is another common way bacteria may be introduced to the bones or joints, resulting in infection.
Tumors
There are a multitude of tumors that can involve bone. Some originate in the bone (primary bone tumors), and some originate in other tissues and spread, or metastasize, to bone (secondary bone tumors). In his text on clinical imaging, Dennis Marchiori notes primary bone tumors are more often encountered in younger people during periods of growth. Secondary bone tumors are more frequently encountered in older persons. Not all bone tumors are aggressive or life threatening. Specific treatment depends on the exact nature and origin of the tumor.
Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders
When the body does not receive adequate nutrients such as calcium or vitamin D, bone health may be compromised. Sometimes even when dietary intake is adequate, the body does not absorb or utilize nutrients normally due to digestive, hormonal or other types of disorders. Rickets, scurvy, and osteoporosis are examples of skeletal ailments in this category.
References
- "Essentials of Skeletal Radiology;" T. Yochum and L. Rowe; 1987
- Merck Manual
- "Clinical Imaging With Skeletal, Chest and Abdomen Pattern Differentials;" D. Marchiori; 1999
