Diseases and disorders of the skeletal system affect all ages, and can include congenital deformities at birth to fragile and brittle bone diseases in the elderly. Bones rebuild and reform every 10 years, when new bone tissue replaces the old. Factors that interfere with the natural rebuilding of bone include genetics, diseases, some medications, poor nutrition, certain activities, and stress.
Paget's Disease
Merck Manual, an online medical library, reports Paget's disease is a chronic bone disorder affecting about 1 percent of U.S. adults over 40 years of age. Signs of Paget's disease include bone deformities such as skull enlargement and bowed legs, hobbling gait, osteoarthritis and ear nerve deafness. Diagnosis of Paget's disease requires confirmation by x-rays and blood tests that include serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphate levels. Treatment includes bisphosphonates and analgesics. For some people, orthopedic surgery or orthotics can correct the abnormal bone alignment.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a spinal curvature that resembles an "S" or "C" instead of the straight alignment of a normal spine. The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that the origin of the majority of scoliosis cases is idiopathic---from an unknown cause. Signs of adolescent scoliosis start to manifest between 8 years old to the beginning of puberty. Scoliosis symptoms include an uneven waist and shoulders, one hip higher than the other, leaning to one side, and protruding shoulder blades. For severe scoliosis, treatment may include wearing an orthopaedic brace or surgery to reduce the curvature.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue resulting from the loss of blood supply to the bone. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that the most common location for osteonecrosis is at the ends of the femur, the long bone from the knee to the hip. Risk factors for osteonecrosis include long-term use of corticosteroids, excessive alcohol use, joint injury or fracture, radiation therapy, cancer and osteoporosis. Osteonecrosis occurs at all ages, but the most common patients are from 30 to 50 years old. Symptoms that appear as the osteonecrosis progresses include occasional pain initially, followed by severe pain that limits joint movement. Treatment includes medications, range-of-motion exercises, reduced weight bearing on the affected joint and electrical stimulation. Expect ongoing treatment to include surgery.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease occurs over time as the intervertebral discs lose the ability to function as shock absorbers or cushions between the vertebrae. The center of the disc, the "nucleus pulposus," is a spongy matter that absorbs the stress put on the spinal column. Damage to the disc allows the fluid to leak out. The narrowing disc space causes pressure on the spinal nerves. Pain in the lower back is a common symptom of degenerative disc disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Diagnostic tools include x-rays and an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the spine. Treatment includes medications for pain and inflammation, epidural steroid injections, specific exercises and physical therapy.
