Learn About Paget's Disease of Bone

What is the definition of Paget's Disease of Bone?

Paget disease is a disorder that involves abnormal bone destruction and regrowth. This results in deformity of the affected bones.

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What are the alternative names for Paget's Disease of Bone?

Osteitis deformans

What are the causes of Paget's Disease of Bone?

The cause of Paget disease is unknown. It may be due to genetic factors, but also could be due to a viral infection early in life or hypersensitivity to vitamin D.

The disease occurs worldwide, but is more common in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The disease has become much less common over the last 50 years.

In people with Paget disease, there is an abnormal breakdown of bone tissue in specific areas. This is followed by abnormal bone formation. The new area of bone is larger, but weaker. The new bone is also filled with new blood vessels.

The affected bone may only be in one or two areas of the skeleton, or in many different bones in the body. It more often involves bones of the arms, collarbones, legs, pelvis, spine, and skull.

What are the symptoms of Paget's Disease of Bone?

Most people with the condition have no symptoms. Paget disease is often diagnosed when an x-ray is done for another reason. It may also be discovered when trying to find the cause of high blood calcium levels.

If they do occur, symptoms may include:

  • Bone pain, joint pain or stiffness, and neck pain (the pain may be severe and be present most of the time)
  • Bowing of the legs and other visible deformities
  • Enlarged head and skull deformities
  • Fracture
  • Headache
  • Hearing loss
  • Reduced height
  • Warm skin over the affected bone
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What are the current treatments for Paget's Disease of Bone?

Not all people with Paget disease need to be treated. People who may not need treatment include those who:

  • Only have mildly abnormal blood tests or x-ray or bone scan findings
  • Have no symptoms and no evidence of active disease

Paget disease is commonly treated when:

  • Certain bones, such as weight-bearing bones, are involved and the risk of fracture is higher.
  • Bony changes are getting worse quickly (treatment can reduce the risk of fractures).
  • Bony deformities are present.
  • A person has pain or other symptoms.
  • The skull is affected. (This is to prevent hearing loss.)
  • The calcium levels are elevated and causing symptoms.

Drug therapy helps prevent further bone breakdown and formation. Currently, there are several classes of drugs used to treat Paget disease. These include:

  • Bisphosphonates: These drugs are the first treatment, and they help decrease bone remodeling. Medicines are commonly taken by mouth, or given through a vein (intravenously).
  • Calcitonin: This hormone is involved in bone metabolism. It may be given as a nasal spray (Miacalcin), or as an injection under the skin (Calcimar or Mithracin).
  • Denosumab: This monoclonal antibody (commonly used for treatment of osteoporosis) may be used.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be given for pain. In severe cases, orthopedic surgery may be needed to correct a deformity or fracture.

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What are the support groups for Paget's Disease of Bone?

People with this condition may benefit from taking part in support groups for people with similar experiences.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Paget's Disease of Bone?

Most of the time, the condition can be controlled with medicines. A small number of people may develop a cancer of the bone called osteosarcoma. Some people will need joint replacement surgery.

What are the possible complications of Paget's Disease of Bone?

Complications may include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Deafness
  • Deformities
  • Heart failure
  • Hypercalcemia
  • Paraplegia
  • Spinal stenosis
When should I contact a medical professional for Paget's Disease of Bone?

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Paget disease.

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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: October 18, 2021
Published By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology and Health Care Ethics, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Geiger CD, Devereaux MW, Hart D. Disorders of bones, joints, ligaments, and meninges. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 104.

Ralston SH. Paget disease of bone. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 233.

Singer FR. Paget's disease of bone. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 72.