Paget’s disease of the bone (osteitis deformans) is a chronic bone disorder characterized by excessive breakdown and regrowth in the affected bone(s). Many people have no symptoms. The disease is more common as you age and is uncommon in people under the age of 50. It’s more common in people of Northern European ancestry.
Paget’s disease of the bone is a rare chronic bone disorder in which there's excessive and disordered bone turnover with both excessive resorption and formation. This is the process by your body breaks down old bone and creates new bone. A person with Paget’s disease of the bone is more likely to experience bone fractures (breaks). When the disease is around a joint, it can cause arthritis.
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Any of your bones can be affected by Paget’s disease. However, your pelvis, skull, spine and leg bones (femur and tibia) are most commonly affected by Paget’s disease. Paget’s disease can affect one bone (monoostotic) or many bones (polyostotic).
Anyone can develop Paget’s disease of the bone, but it’s more common in people who are over the age of 50. People who are from northern Europe or people who are from countries settled by European immigrants are more likely to develop Paget’s disease.
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The number of cases of Paget’s disease of the bone varies from country to country Paget’s disease of the bone is more common in some European countries. Approximately 1% of the population in the United States has Paget’s disease of the bone.
Paget’s disease of the bone isn’t a form of cancer. However, in very rare cases, Paget’s disease of the bone can cause bone cancer (osteosarcoma).
Other conditions have the name of Paget’s that aren’t bone diseases, including:
These Paget’s diseases are distinct from Paget’s disease of the bone, and they aren’t related.
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Researchers and healthcare providers don’t know the exact cause of Paget’s disease of the bone. They believe it’s caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Many people who have Paget’s disease of the bone don’t realize that they have it. They may experience no symptoms, or the symptoms may be mild. When a person has symptoms, they're similar to symptoms of other bone conditions, like arthritis.
Symptoms of Paget’s disease of the bone depend on which bones are affected, and Paget’s disease usually gets worse slowly over time if it isn’t treated. Symptoms and signs of Paget’s disease of the bone can include:
Because Paget’s disease of the bone often has no symptoms or very mild symptoms, it’s often diagnosed by chance (incidentally) after healthcare providers perform an X-ray or blood test to for another reason. Providers often use X-rays to make the final diagnosis of Paget’s disease of the bone.
The following tests help to diagnose Paget’s disease of the bone:
Treatments for Paget’s disease of the bone can include:
There's currently no cure for Paget’s disease of the bone, but it’s treatable. The sooner Paget’s disease can be diagnosed and treated, the less likely that you’ll experience complications from the disease.
Paget’s disease of the bone is a chronic (lifelong) condition but it’s treatable. It often gets worse slowly over time if it isn’t treated.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent Paget’s disease of the bone. There are some things that are considered risk factors for developing Paget’s disease of the bone, including:
The prognosis (outlook) for Paget’s disease of the bone is excellent if it's diagnosed and treated early in the course of the disease before complications such as arthritis, fractures and hearing loss have occurred.
If you have Paget’s disease of the bone and take medication, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking your medicine.
While medication and surgery are the only methods that can treat Paget’s disease of the bone, there are things you can do to help keep your skeletal system healthy in general, including:
If you have an elevated alkaline phosphatase blood level, you need an evaluation from a specialist to determine if it’s coming from your bones. If you have an X-ray that’s suggestive of Paget’s disease, you should have an evaluation.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Paget’s disease of the bone can be difficult to identify because it often develops without any symptoms. Without signs that something is wrong, your bones can slowly become damaged without you knowing. Because of this, it’s important to know the risk factors for Paget’s disease of the bone, especially if you have had a bone break or are experiencing symptoms of arthritis. Paget’s disease of the bone could be the cause. If you experience any symptoms of Paget’s disease of the bone, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Last reviewed on 10/12/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy