Chondrodystrophy
Chondrodystrophy is a genetic disorder that affects the skeletal cartilage resulting in dwarfism. Due to genetic mutation affecting the hyaline cartilage, skeletal dysplasia occurs leading to osteoarthritis. The person suffering from this disorder has a normal sized trunk with shorter limbs. Chondrodystrophy is usually acompanied by metabolic and hormonal disorders. Usually x-rays and bone growth patterns are studied to diagnose Chondrodystrophy.
Rheumatism
Rheumatism is a term used to refer to a host of disorders dealing with the joints and connective tissues. Major rheumatic disorders include Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, Rheumatoid arthritis and neck pain. Rheumatism can affect adults and adolescents. Rheumatic disorders cause chronic pain and are not easy to treat. Painkillers are prescribed to alleviate the pain associated with rheumatism. Other associated symptoms are stiffness of affected joints, soreness and worsening of pain in conditions of humidity and rains. There might be periods of relief and then flare ups called rheumatic attack. The affected joints become red and swell up and turn red and warm. Usually movement increases the pain.
Paget's Disease
Paget’s disease is named after James Paget, the doctor who first described the disease. It affects bones, mostly of the spine, thigh, shin or pelvis. This disease affects the process of breaking down and rebuilding of bones. Since new bones are built at a faster rate, there is likelihood of fractures and deformities. Consequently there is destruction of bone since the new bone that is formed is weak and porous. As a result, these bones are likely to bend easily and break. Paget's disease also leads to additional blood vessels (hypervascularity in the affected area. This condition affecting the bones is more likely to affect men and people over 40. Paget's disease is also known as osteitis deformans. Over time, Paget's disease can lead to osteoarthritis, kidney stones and heart disease. In rare cases, severe Paget's disease has been associated with heart failure or cancer.
The symptoms of Paget's Disease include pain and deep ache in the affected bones. The patient is likely to experience bone deformity or fracture in the affected area. There may be damage to the cartilage lining of the joints near the affected ones leading to osteoarthritis. Persons suffering from Paget's disease may suffer pain from nerve compression due to the pressure from bones. A person suffering from Paget's disease is likely to suffer elevated alkaline phosphate levels in the blood. There might be bone abnormalities such as enlargement, reabsorption and bowing.
Bone scans aid diagnosis of Paget's disease. Bone scintiscan can help detect the bones that have been affected. X-rays and blood test to check blood serum alkaline phosphatase can help in the diagnosis of Paget's disease. Treatment for Paget's disease is based on the extent of the disease, location of the affected bones and the medical history of the patient. Physical therapy and medication to inhibit abnormal bone reabsorption are prescribed. Bisphosphonates can reduce the activity of Paget's disease and are often prescribed for a period of 2 - 6 months. NSAIDs are given to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Surgery to realign affected bones or joint replacement are resorted to in cases where the joints are severely damaged or deformed.
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