Fractures — Surgery may allow fractures to heal in a better position. Severe degenerative arthritis — If disability is severe and medication and physical therapy are no longer helpful, joint replacement of the hips and knees may be considered. Bone deformity — Cutting and realignment of pagetic bone (osteotomy) may help painful weight bearing joints, especially the knees.Complications resulting from enlargement of the skull or spine may injure the nervous system. However, most neurologic symptoms, even those that are moderately severe, can be treated with medication and do not require neurosurgery. Diet and exercise
In general, patients with Pagets disease should receive 1000–1500 mg of calcium, adequate sunshine, and at least 400 units of vitamin D daily. This is especially important in patients being treated with bisphosphonates; however, taking oral bisphosphonates should be separated from taking calcium by at least two hours, because the calcium can inhibit the absorption of the bisphosphonate. Patients with a history of kidney stones should discuss calcium and vitamin D intake with their physicians.Exercise is very important in maintaining skeletal health, avoiding weight gain, and maintaining joint mobility. Since undue stress on affected bones should be avoided, people with Pagets disease of bone should discuss any exercise program with their physicians or physical therapists before beginning. Prognosis
The disease is progressive and slowly worsens with time, although people may remain minimally symptomatic. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, but there is no cure.
Pagets disease of bone was originally termed osteitis deformans, because it was thought to involve an inflammatory process, which is implied by the suffix -itis. Now, that term is considered technically incorrect, and the preferred term is osteodystrophia deformans. Society and culture
Ludwig van Beethoven is speculated to have had Pagets disease based on autopsy description, and which may have contributed to his well-known deafness. Retired Boston Red Sox center fielder Dom DiMaggio had Pagets disease and served as a member of the board of directors of the Paget Foundation. References
External links
Pagets Disease of Bone Overview - NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center