Question

What skeletal disease affects elderly patients, causes inflammation of bones, and is also called osteitis deformans?

Answer 1

Paget's disease, also known as osteitis deformans, is a condition affecting elderly patients where the bone remodeling process is disrupted, resulting in the formation of weak and brittle bones prone to fractures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Skeletal Disease in Elderly Patients: Paget's Disease

The skeletal disease that affects elderly patients, causes inflammation of bones, and is also known as osteitis deformans is Paget's disease. Paget's disease typically occurs in adults over the age of 40 and represents a disorder of the bone remodeling process. It starts with excessive activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption, which leads to more bone being resorbed than formed. To compensate, osteoblasts, the cells that form bone, attempt to lay down new bone. However, this new bone tends to be weak and brittle, making it prone to fractures. Unlike osteoporosis, where there is a loss of bone mass due to an imbalance in bone remodeling, Paget's disease is characterized by the disorganized formation of bone, albeit in an attempt to match the resorption rate. This key difference can be diagnostic, as Paget's disease presents elevated blood levels of alkaline phosphatase, which is not seen in osteoporosis.

Answer 2

The skeletal disease that affects elderly patients, causing inflammation of bones and also known as "osteitis deformans," is Paget's disease of bone. It involves abnormal bone remodeling, leading to structural changes and increased fragility.

Step-by-step explanation:

The skeletal disease that predominantly affects elderly patients, characterized by the inflammation of bones and commonly known as "osteitis deformans," is Paget's disease, medically termed Paget's disease of bone. This condition involves abnormal bone remodeling, leading to enlarged and weakened bones.

Paget's disease typically manifests in localized areas, and the affected bones may undergo structural changes, causing pain, deformities, and an increased risk of fractures. The inflammatory component is associated with an accelerated bone turnover rate.

While the exact cause of Paget's disease is unclear, factors like genetic predisposition and viral infections are considered potential contributors. Treatment options include medications to regulate bone turnover and manage symptoms, making early detection and intervention crucial for optimal outcomes in affected individuals.