Bone Diseases

There are various bone diseases, each with its own specific characteristics and health complications.

What Are Bones?

Bones play a crucial role in the human body. Along with muscles, they enable movement and provide solid protection for vital organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs. Additionally, bone marrow, located inside the bones, is essential for the production of different types of blood cells.

Bone cells continuously regenerate, which means that over the span of a decade, all 206 bones in the human body are completely renewed.

There are numerous diseases that can affect the skeletal system in both structure and function, potentially causing chronic pain and inflammation, weakness, immobility, fractures, and other symptoms.

Rickets

This condition occurs in children due to a deficiency of vitamin D, which compromises bone strength and growth.

The most common signs include pain in the limbs and spine, reduced mobility, and generalized weakness.

Treatment typically involves vitamin D-rich foods or supplements. If there’s a problem absorbing this nutrient, additional medication may be prescribed. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to correct bone deformities.

Osteoporosis

Bone density decreases because the body is unable to regenerate bone mass fast enough to replace what is lost. This leads to fragile bones that are prone to fractures from even minor impacts or falls.

It commonly affects women over the age of 55.

Recommended treatment includes engaging in physical activity to strengthen the bones, along with calcium and vitamin D intake.

Fracture

A fracture is a break in a bone, which can result from conditions that weaken the bones or from trauma in otherwise healthy individuals.

Typically, immobilization of the affected area and pain relievers are sufficient for recovery. However, more serious fractures may require surgical intervention.

Bone Cancer

Although rare, bone cancer is one of the most lethal types. Its origin appears to be hereditary, and the main symptoms include localized pain and swelling, fatigue, weakness, recurrent fractures, and weight loss.

Treatment options range from chemotherapy and radiotherapy to surgical oncology procedures.

Osteomyelitis

This is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads to the bone through the bloodstream or an open wound that reaches the bone tissue.

Symptoms include pain and swelling in the affected area, high fever, fatigue, and weakness. If untreated, it can lead to necrosis and become life-threatening.

Treatment involves antibiotics, and in cases of localized necrosis, surgery is required to remove damaged tissue.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

This condition occurs in childhood, and its causes are unknown. It involves a loss of blood supply to the hip bones, leading to cellular damage, fractures, and arthritis.

Symptoms include hip pain, difficulty walking, and a noticeable limp.

Treatment may include physical therapy and surgery, among other therapeutic approaches.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Also known as brittle bone disease, this is a genetic disorder that causes extreme bone fragility, leading to frequent fractures.

It stems from a genetic mutation that prevents the proper synthesis of collagen, an essential component for bone strength. Symptoms include weakness, easily broken teeth, spinal deformities, and hearing loss.

It is an incurable and disabling disease, so treatment focuses on improving the patient’s quality of life through physical therapy, pain management, and surgery in severe cases.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center of the Saludora Medical Center, we provide specialized care. Contact us!