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Which bones are most often affected by Paget disease of bone?
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bone disease
Defect of tibia, caused by septic osteomyelitis in childhood, with compensatory thickening of the fibula (right). Normal bones are shown at left.
Paget disease of bone is a chronic condition characterized by the excessive and disorganized breakdown and formation of bone tissue. While the disease can affect almost any bone in the skeleton, it most commonly occurs in the following areas:1
- Femur (thigh bone)1
- Pelvis12
- Skull12
- Spine (vertebral column)12
Although many patients are asymptomatic, those with advanced disease may experience bone deformities, such as a large skull, a shortened spine, or bowed legs and thighs. Because the affected bone becomes dense and brittle, it is also prone to fractures.12