Diagnosis & Management of Paget Disease of the Bone

Paget disease of bone causes excessive osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity resulting in bone that is structurally inferior to normal bone. Paget disease of bone is the second most common bone disorder in the United States, yet it often goes unrecognized. It is often asymptomatic; therefore, treatment is often delayed until the disease is in the late stages. In the late stages of the disease, the most common presentation is bone pain. Paget disease of bone may also cause fractures, bone deformity, neurologic symptoms, and cardiovascular complications. It is diagnosed by radiographs and laboratory panels, and is treated with bisphosphonates.