The body contains many bones that serve to support it. Bones are constantly being made and broken down. Specifically, bones can break down and result in high calcium levels in your blood. Sometimes, bones may fuse and create movement problems. They may soften and even form tumors.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia refers to softening of bone, the Mayo Clinic says. This typically occurs due to a lack of vitamin D in the body. In children, this bone disease is known as rickets. Soft bones tend to take on a bow-shaped pattern and break easily.
The Mayo Clinic indicates that osteomalacia's symptoms include bone pain in the pelvis, lower part of the legs and spine. Osteomalacia may also lead to a waddling gait, arm and leg weakness, problems moving and muscle atrophy.
Vitamin D supplements found at a pharmacy can help treat osteomalacia manifestations. The body also makes vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (sun) light. Treating certain conditions such as kidney failure or biliary cirrhosis can also resolve osteomalacia, because these conditions interfere with vitamin D metabolism.
Klippel-Feil Syndrome
The National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) says Klippel-Feil syndrome is a congenital condition in which two of the seven neck bones (cervical vertebrate) fuse. Manifestations of this syndrome include problems moving the upper spine, a shorter neck and a lower hairline in the back of the head, says the NINDS. This syndrome occurs in early embryonic development when the neck bones are supposed to separate.
Klippel-Feil syndrome is associated with such medical conditions as curvature of the spine (scoliosis), breathing problems and kidney or heart abnormalities.
The NINDS says treatment of Klippel-Feil syndrome involves surgery to relieve any pressure on the spinal cord and neck bones. Physical therapy may also be of use to promote more flexible neck movements.
Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) says giant cell tumor of bone is a benign tumor that typically occurs suddenly in people between 20 and 40 years old. Its cause is unclear. Trauma, diet and environmental factors don't play a role in these tumor formations, the AAOS says.
Manifestations of giant cell tumor of bone include pain where the tumor is located. These tumors typically occur near the knee, wrist, hip, shoulder and lower back, says the AAOS. Over time, pain worsens and bones may become so weak that they break.
The AAOS says radiation (high-energy X-rays) is an effective way to destroy these giant cell tumors. Sometimes, embolization can play a role in destroying giant cell tumors of bone. Embolization involves obstructing the tumor's blood supply. Without blood, the giant cell tumor can no longer survive. Surgery can also be used to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, this may leave a huge hole in the area of bone in which the tumor infiltrated. However, a bone graft can be placed to fill this hole.
