The skeleton is the hard structure of the body that provides stability for movement and protection for internal organs. There are two types of skeletal systems---the axial and appendicular. The axial includes the head, spine, ribs and sternum and supports the trunk of the body. Diseases that affect the axial skeletal system include growth abnormalities, cancers and arthritic conditions.
Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis
The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford states that juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is a type of arthritis capable of causing joint erosion and fusion of the chest bones or spinal vertebrae. Symptoms such as back pain, stiffness, fatigue, difficulty taking a deep breath and stooped posture come and go. The first symptoms usually appear between the ages of 17 to 35 years old. Diagnosis requires x-rays, ESR blood level (measures inflammation) and a blood test for the HLA-B27 antigen (indicates the presence of an autoimmune disease). Treatment consists of comfort measures such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. There is no cure for JAS.
Sacrococcygeal Teratoma
A sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a tumor located at the end of the tailbone in newborn babies. Diagnostic tests during pregnancy that reveal the presence of an SCT include a blood test with a high alpha feto-protein level or an ultrasound revealing a larger than normal uterus. The Fetal Treatment Center at the University of California, San Francisco states that the size of the tumor is critical to the success of removal. Removal of small tumors and tumors that protrude slightly into the abdomen provides for a normal life with routine follow-up for future tumor development. For tumors the size of the fetus, critical problems can develop because of the higher demand on the heart.
Osteochondrodysplasia
Osteochondrodysplasia is a group of genetic skeletal abnormalities that cause dwarfism in the axial skeletal system. Merck Manuals, an online medical library, reports a diagnosis of dwarfism requires an adult height of less than 4 feet 10 inches. The most common type of dwarfism is achondroplasia with symptoms such as a bulky forehead, bow legs and saddle nose. Other dwarfism symptoms include stubby fingers and toes, shortening of the forearms and joints with limited range of motion.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
The common name for osteogenesis imperfecta, a disease that causes weak bones, is brittle bone disease. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that between 20,000 and 50,000 people in the United States have osteogenesis imperfecta. A gene defect causing a lack of collagen production leads to weak bones. Symptoms include loose joints, triangular face, brittle teeth and malformed bones.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition where the joint cartilage breaks down, causing bone-to-bone contact. About 27 million Americans live with some stage of osteoarthritis. Onset of symptoms, such as pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, begins gradually at around age 40 or later. With no cure for OA, treatment includes symptom relief through medications, physical therapy and surgical intervention.
References
- The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford: Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Fetal Treatment Center at the University of California, San Francisco: Sacrococcygeal Teratoma
- Merck.com: Osteochondrodysplasia
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteogenesis Imperfecta
