Other Names: Osteitis Deformans

Paget’s disease of bone is a condition involving cellular remodeling and deformity of one or more bones. The affected bones show signs of dysregulated bone remodeling at the microscopic level, specifically excessive bone breakdown and disorganized new bone formation. Genetic factors have a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of PDB and are probably the main predisposing factor for the disease. The structural changes cause the bone to weaken, which may result in deformity, pain, fracture, or arthritis of associated joints. The exact cause is unknown, although it is speculated that the disease is both genetic and acquired factors. Paget’s disease affects up to 8% of the population, and is most common in those of British descent. It is primarily diagnosed in older people, and is rare in people less than 55 years of age. Men are more commonly affected than women

 

Contact the Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center for more information on Familial Paget Disease of Bone.