Paget's disease

Paget's disease is the abnormal destruction and growth of bones that leads to brittle bones. Normally, bone tissues are constantly being broken down and absorbed by the body and new tissues take up their space. In Paget's disease, old tissues break down and absorb much faster in turn increasing the rate of new tissues growing. The resulting bone if often weak and fractures easily. This disorder commonly occurs in the bones of the arms, collarbones, pelvis, skull, spine and legs.

The exact cause of Paget's disease is unknown but it may be caused by genetic factors or a viral infection in your bone cells that may be present for many years before any problem becomes evident. You are more susceptible to this disease if it runs in your family. Older people above the age of forty and men are more at risk of suffering from this disease.

When to seek expert advise

Set an appointment with a doctor at the Department of Orthopaedics at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you notice:

• Pain in your bones and joints
  

• Bone deformities
  

• Tingling and weakness​​​