Final answer:
Paget's bone disease can lead to complications such as bone deformities, fractures, secondary arthritis, and hearing loss. Treatment with bisphosphonates aims to reduce these risks, even though there may be a small risk of increased fractures with their use. The condition typically affects adults over age 40 and disrupts normal bone remodeling processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Possible Complications of Paget's Bone Disease
Paget's bone disease, predominately seen in adults over age 40, is characterized by a disruption in the bone remodeling process featuring overactive osteoclasts. This imbalance leads to bone deformities and the production of new bone that is haphazard, weak, and brittle, escalating the risk of fractures. Bones commonly affected by Paget's disease include those of the pelvis, skull, spine, and legs. Particularly when the skull is involved, complications can extend to hearing loss due to bone expansion and nerve compression. Furthermore, the altered architecture of the joints may result in secondary arthritis, due to the irregular forces exerted on the joint surfaces.
Bisphosphonates, drugs that decrease osteoclast activity, are often used to treat Paget's disease but can sometimes, paradoxically, increase the risk of fractures when the old bone becomes excessively brittle. Nonetheless, the therapeutic benefits including reduction in deformities and fracture risk, usually outweigh this risk. The medical professional must carefully weigh these aspects on a case-by-case basis.
Normal leg bones remain relatively straight, whereas those compromised by Paget's disease become porous and curved, underscoring the risk of deformities and structural complications.