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Abstract

Paget’s disease A progressive disorder affecting a limited number of bones. It is characterised by progressive hypertrophy and osteosclerosis of bone tissue. It leads to an abnormal increased bone turnover causing changes to bone formation. Its prevalence increases with age, and in certain countries (especially the Anglo-Saxon population), it affects up to 3 % of the population over 40 years of age. Men and women are affected equally. The aetiopathogenesis is unknown, but there has been speculation that a viral (parvovirus) infection may be implicated. The majority of osteoclasts contain intracellular particles resembling paramyxoviral nucleocapsids. Other possible causes are an inborn error of metabolism or vascular abnormalities. Paget’s disease may be inherited in an autosomal dominant trait, with the genetic abnormality localised to chromosome 18.