Fact 7. Complications Associated with Paget’s Disease
While Paget’s disease primarily affects the bones, its implications can extend beyond the skeletal system. Over time, if left untreated, the disease can lead to several complications. Some of these complications can significantly impact a person’s health and quality of life, further underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and effective management.
One common complication of Paget’s disease is osteoarthritis. This occurs when the disease affects bones near a joint, leading to increased pressure on the joint and subsequent degeneration of the joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis can result in joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Another potential complication is bone deformity. The abnormal bone remodeling process in Paget’s disease can cause the affected bones to become enlarged and misshapen.
This can result in visible deformities, such as bowing of the legs or enlargement of the skull. Bone deformities can cause cosmetic concerns, physical discomfort, and difficulties with movement and function.
Hearing loss is also a potential complication when Paget’s disease affects the bones in the skull, particularly those near the inner ear. The disease may interfere with the proper transmission of sound, leading to a gradual loss of hearing. In severe cases, this can result in total deafness.
Fractures, known as pathological fractures, can occur in bones affected by Paget’s disease. Because the disease weakens the bone structure, the bones may break or fracture more easily, even with minor injuries. These fractures can cause intense pain and may require surgical intervention.
In rare cases, Paget’s disease can increase the risk of developing bone cancer, known as osteosarcoma. This is a serious and often aggressive type of cancer that requires intensive treatment. It’s worth noting that the risk of bone cancer in people with Paget’s disease is small but significantly higher than in the general population.
Neurological complications can also occur if Paget’s disease affects the bones in the spine. The enlarged and deformed vertebrae can put pressure on the nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and even paralysis in severe cases. (7)
