Osteo- Health Dictionary

Softening of the bones, resulting from vitamin D deficiency... osteomalacia

A system of medicine that emphasizes the theory that the body can make its own remedies, given normal structural relationships, environmental conditions, and nutrition. It differs from allopathy primarily in its greater attention to body mechanics and manipulative methods in diagnosis and therapy.... osteopathy

The softening of bone mass and the widening of the bone canals. This occurs with both age and diminished physical activity. Since women live longer, they are more likely to show such signs. (WARNING! Tirade Ahead!) There is little doubt that the condition is increasing among American women, and is starting to show itself at an earlier age. This is called “improved diagnostic methods” (harumph). The statistics that show the rise to be strongest in women that have used steroid hormone therapies in their earlier years seems to have escaped the notice of current Medical Conventional Wisdom. This states that ALL women need medical care against osteoporosis going into menopause, and the primary treatment is...steroid hormones (this year, at least). I know this may sound smarmy, coming from some long-in-the-tooth hippy male, but I would be far more impressed if SERIOUS attention was given to carefully defining the parameters of a woman’s risks. The road of medicine is strewn with four decades of well-intended universal hormone approaches to women’s health...embarrassedly forgotten. The idea of universal HRT for a whole generation of menopausal women seems like a frightening experiment in medical fascism and band-wagon hubris. There is no attention given as to WHY our future elders are suddenly stricken with a medical problem. Were birth-control pills, made up of synthetic digestion-proof steroid analogues, a major cause? Has our food become simply inadequate and over-pocessed? Have the decades of exposure by women to xeno-estrogens that are derived from degraded insecticides had more effect than the ones claimed by environmental watch-dog groups...the rise in breast and prostate cancer, the halving of the sperm count in Caucasian males and little-dicked alligators reported from Florida? Is the synthetic flavor in that pink bubble gum to blame? Perhaps its the fumes released from the early Barbies? FDS? There must be some reason, but the present medical answer is only HRT and (if politics allow) Jane Fonda tapes.... osteoporosis

In?ammation of the BONE as a result of infection (see BONE, DISEASES OF).... osteomyelitis

Despite major e?orts, it has proved impossible to produce a single clear de?nition of osteoarthritis and this probably reffects the muddled nature of a concept which will need replacing. Unfortunately, there is confusion because the term is also used to cover joint pain that appears to have a mechanical basis in the absence of clinical or radiographic evidence of CARTILAGE loss.

The primary problem is seen as a change in structure of cartilage and BONE, rather than an in?ammatory SYNOVITIS. Osteoarthritis usually implies a loss of the central load-bearing area of articular hyaline cartilage, with outgrowth of cartilage at the articular margin and subsequent ossi?cation to form bony outgrowths known as OSTEOPHYTES. Osteophytes form with increasing age, whether or not there is signi?cant cartilage loss, and in the elderly may lead to local frictional symptoms, and in the spine, to nerve compression.

The condition has a wide range of causes, of which some, like dysplasia and trauma, are known and others have yet to be identi?ed. The main clinical problems occur in the hip and knee. The cartilage loss in the hip usually occurs in the sixth or seventh decade. It may affect both hips in fairly rapid succession, or only one hip; such patients often have no problems in other joints. Cartilage loss in the knee occurs from the ?fth decade onwards and is often associated with cartilage loss in small joints in the hand and elsewhere. Cartilage loss in the distal interphalangeal joints of the hand is associated with the formation of bony swellings known as Heberden’s nodes.

Treatment Management is largely directed at maintaining activity, with physical and social support as necessary. ANALGESICS may be of some value, particularly in the management of night pain. NON-STEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDS) may help patients with early-morning sti?ness and may also reduce pain on movement and night pain. Their bene?t, however, tends to be less marked than in RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS and their long-term usage has considerable toxicity problems. Advanced cartilage loss is best treated by joint replacement. Hip- and knee-joint replacements – with a wide variety of arti?cial joints – are now common surgical procedures which greatly improve the mobility of affected individuals. (See ARTHROPLASTY.)

People with arthritis and their relatives can obtain help and advice from Arthritis Care.... osteoarthritis

This includes a group of diseases involving degeneration of the centre of OSSIFICATION (see also BONE) in the growing bones of children and adolescents. They include Kohler’s disease, OSGOOD-SCHLATTER’S DISEASE, and PERTHES’ DISEASE.... osteochondrosis

A hereditary disease due to an inherited abnormality of COLLAGEN. It is characterised by extreme fragility of the skeleton, resulting in fractures and deformities. It may be accompanied by blue sclera (the outermost, normally white coat of the eyeball), transparent teeth, hypermobility (excessive range of movement) of the joints, deafness, and dwar?sm (shortness of stature). The exact cause is not known, although there is some evidence that it may be associated with collagen formation. Parents of affected children can obtain help and advice from the Brittle Bone Society.... osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteosarcoma, or osteogenic sarcoma, is the most common, and most malignant, tumour of bone (see BONE, DISORDERS OF). It occurs predominantly in older children and young adults; the most common site is at the ends of the long bones of the body – i.e. the femur, tibia and humerus. Treatment is by CHEMOTHERAPY and surgical reconstruction or amputation of the affected limb. The ?ve-year survival rate is over 70 per cent.... osteosarcoma

The operation of cutting of a BONE.... osteotomy

A cell responsible for the production of BONE (see OSSIFICATION).... osteoblast

In?ammation of both BONE and CARTILAGE. It is a not uncommon cause of BACKACHE in young people, particularly gymnasts.... osteochondritis

A cell that resorbs calci?ed BONE.... osteoclast

A BONE cell formed from an OSTEOBLAST or bone-forming cell that has stopped its activity. The cell is embedded in the matrix of the bone.... osteocyte

See OSSIFICATION.... osteogenesis

See OSTEOSARCOMA.... osteogenic sarcoma

Degeneration of a bone just under a joint surface, causing fragments of bone and cartilage to become separated, which may cause the joint to lock. The condition commonly affects the knee and usually starts in adolescence. Symptoms include aching discomfort and intermittent swelling of the affected joint.

If a fragment has not completely separated from the bone, the joint may be immobilized in a plaster cast to allow reattachment. Loose bone or cartilage fragments in the knee are removed during arthroscopy. Disruption to the smoothness of the joint surface increases the risk of osteoarthritis.... osteochondritis dissecans

A noncancerous bone tumour, which is formed from a stalk of bone capped with cartilage, and appears as a hard round swelling near a joint. An osteochondroma develops in late childhood and early adolescence, usually from the side of a long bone near the knee or shoulder. The tumour causes problems only if it interferes with movement of tendons or the surrounding joint, in which case it may be removed surgically. Large osteochondromas can interfere with skeletal growth, causing deformity.... osteochondroma

Any generalized bone defect due to metabolic disorders.

Types of osteodystrophy include rickets; osteomalacia; osteoporosis due to Cushing’s syndrome or excessive intake of corticosteroid drugs; and bone cysts and bone mass reduction associated with chronic kidney failure or hyperparathyroidism.

In adults, an osteodystrophy is usually reversible if the underlying cause is treated before bone deformity occurs.... osteodystrophy

A hard, noncancerous, usually small tumour that may occur on any bone.

Surgical removal may be necessary if an osteoma causes symptoms by pressing on surrounding structures.... osteoma

A very rare inherited disorder in which bones harden and become denser. Deficiency of one of the 2 types of bone cell responsible for healthy bone growth results in a disruption of normal bone structure. In its mildest form, there may be no symptoms; more severe forms of osteopetrosis result in abnormally high susceptibility to fractures; stunted growth; deformity; and anaemia. Pressure on nerves may cause blindness, deafness, and facial paralysis.

Most treatments for osteopetrosis aim to reduce the severity of symptoms. Bone marrow transplants of cells from which healthy bone cells might develop are undertaken in some cases.... osteopetrosis

An outgrowth of bone at the boundary of a joint. The formation of osteophytes is a characteristic feature of osteoarthritis that contributes to the deformity and restricted movement of affected joints.... osteophyte

Increased bone density, visible on X-rays as an area of extreme whiteness.

Localized osteosclerosis may be caused by a severe injury that compresses the bone, osteoarthritis, chronic osteomyelitis, or an osteoma.

Osteosclerosis occurs throughout the body in the inherited bone disorder osteopetrosis.... osteosclerosis

Bony spurs or projections. They occur most commonly at the margins of areas of bone affected by OSTEOARTHRITIS.... osteophytes

See: ARTHRITIS, OSTEO. ... osteo-arthritis

Osteo-arthritis. Erosion of cartilage of a joint with pain and stiffness. “Wear and tear” arthritis of the over 50s, affecting hands, knees, spine or hips. Biochemical changes in the cartilage stimulate overgrowth of bone cells (hyperplasia) which is an effort by the body to correct the disturbance.

Common in the elderly and menopausal women. Calcium salts may be laid down in a joint believed to be due to errors of diet. Small crystals of calcium hydroxyapatite have been observed to form in cartilage and synovial fluid. (Research group: St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London)

The aged sometimes suffer from diminished supply of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and which is necessary for normal calcium metabolism. An effective substitute is 2 teaspoons cider vinegar in a glass of water sipped before or during meals.

Alte rnative s. Black Cohosh and Meadowsweet (natural sources of salicylic acid), Asafoetida (inflammation of connective tissue), Hawthorn (efficient circulation of the blood), Poke root, Bladderwrack, Guaiacum, Devil’s Claw, Bogbean, White Poplar bark, Yucca leaves.

Tea. Celery seeds. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water. Infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup, 2-3 times daily, before meals. Comfrey tea.

Alternative formulae:– Powders. White Willow 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Black Cohosh half; Guaiacum quarter. Mix. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily in water or Nettle tea. Liquid extracts. White Willow 2; Devil’s Claw 1; Bogbean 1; Fennel 1; Tincture Capsicum quarter. Mix. 1 teaspoon thrice daily in water or Nettle tea.

Tinctures. Bogbean 2; Meadowsweet 2; Black Cohosh 1; Guaiacum quarter; Peppermint quarter. Mix. Dose: 2 teaspoons thrice daily.

Tablets/capsules: Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites.

Cod liver oil. Chief of the iodised oils. Can reach and nourish cartilage by the process of osmosis. Its constituents filter into cartilage, imparting increased elasticity which prevents degeneration. Known to soften-up fibrous tissue. 2 teaspoons once daily. Also helps correct uric acid metabolism.

Topical. Physiotherapy. Osteopathy. Jojoba oil packs. Capsicum Cream. Hot and cold compresses twice daily – followed by a cold compress at night, leaving on when in bed. Hot Epsom salt bath twice weekly. Diet. Oily fish: see entry. Low fat. Low salt. High fibre. Avoid lemons and other citrus fruits. Lemon juice may remove some calculi from the body but later begins to remove calcium from the bones. Supplementation. Pantothenic acid 10mg; Vitamin A 7500iu; Vitamin B6 25mg; Vitamin E 400iu; Zinc 25mg.

General. Warm dry climate often relieves. Surgery may be necessary. Herbs Pleurisy root, Comfrey root and Bryonia, sustain the constitution and promote tissue healing after joint replacements with ceramic substitute after the famous Charnley operation. The condition is disabling but it is possible to manage successfully, maintaining normal activities with minimum difficulty. ... arthritis – osteo

A bone disorder in which a tiny abnormal area of bone, usually in a long bone, causes deep pain, which is typically worse at night. The condition is cured by removing the area of bone. (See also osteoma.)... osteoid osteoma

A degenerative disorder, also known as cervical spondylitis, that affects the joints between the cervical vertebrae (bones in the neck). Cervical osteoarthritis mainly affects middle-aged and elderly people, but occasionally the degeneration begins earlier due to an injury.

Symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis may include pain and stiffness in the neck, pain in the arms and shoulders, numbness and tingling in the hands, and a weak grip. Other symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, and double vision when turning the head may also occur. Rarely, pressure on the spinal cord can cause weakness or paralysis in the legs and loss of bladder control.

Treatments include heat treatment and analgesics.

Physiotherapy may improve neck posture and movement.

Pressure on the spinal cord may be relieved by surgery (see decompression, spinal canal).... cervical osteoarthritis

Inflammation of an epiphysis (growing end of bone) in children and adolescents, causing pain, tenderness, and restricted movement if the epiphysis forms part of a joint. The inflammation leads to softening of the bone, which may result in deformity. The condition may be due to disruption of the bone’s blood supply. There are several types: Perthes’ disease; Scheuermann’s disease, which affects several adjoining vertebrae; and other types that affect certain bones in the foot and wrist.

The affected bone may be immobilized in an orthopaedic brace or plaster cast. In Perthes’ disease, surgery may be required to prevent more deformity. The bone usually regenerates within 3 years and rehardens, but deformity may be permanent and increases the risk of osteoarthritis in later life.... osteochondritis juvenilis

the skeletal abnormalities, collectively, of *pseudohypoparathyroidism. These include short stature, abnormally short fingers and toes (particularly involving the fourth and fifth metacarpals and metatarsals), and soft-tissue calcification. [F. Albright (1900–69), US physician]... albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy

see dry socket.... alveolar osteotis

n. any disease of the bone and cartilage adjoining a joint. Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is characterized by the formation of new bony tissue and occurs as a complication of chronic diseases of the chest, including pulmonary abscess, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.... osteoarthropathy

n. see osteoarthritis.... osteoarthrosis

n. surgical excision of the bone adjoining a joint.... osteoarthrotomy

(osteoclasis) n. 1. (osteoclasty) the deliberate breaking of a malformed or malunited bone, carried out by a surgeon to correct deformity. 2. dissolution of bone through disease (see osteolysis).... osteoclasia

n. 1. remodelling of bone by *osteoclasts, during growth or the healing of a fracture. 2. see osteoclasia.... osteoclasis

n. a rare tumour of bone, caused by proliferation of *osteoclast cells.... osteoclastoma

adj. arising in, derived from, or composed of any of the tissues that are concerned with the production of bone. An osteogenic sarcoma (see osteosarcoma) affects bone-producing cells.... osteogenic

n. the study of the structure and function of bones and related structures.... osteology

(osteoclasia) n. dissolution of bone through disease, commonly by infection or by loss of the blood supply (ischaemia) to the bone. In acro-osteolysis the terminal bones of the fingers or toes are affected: a common feature of some disorders involving blood vessels (including *Raynaud’s disease), *scleroderma, and systemic *lupus erythematosus.... osteolysis

see ostiomeatal complex.... osteomeatal complex

n. a condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal, but less severe than *osteoporosis (see T score). It may be generalized or localized, due to inflammation.... osteopenia

n. a surgical chisel designed to cut bone (see illustration).... osteotome

see osteodystrophy.... renal osteodystrophy

n. death of bony tissue, usually adjacent to a joint surface where it is enclosed by avascular cartilage. It is usually caused by loss of blood supply (avascular necrosis) due to trauma and is a definitive feature in a variety of conditions, including *Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, *sickle-cell disease, *Gaucher’s disease, epiphyseal infection and fractures, alcohol abuse, and high-dosage corticosteroids. Sites that are particularly susceptible include the head of the femur, the scaphoid and lunate bones of the wrist, the *capitulum of the humerus, and the talus and navicular bones of the ankle. In its earliest stages there is localized pain without any changes visible on X-ray examination; a *bone scan or MRI will assist with diagnosis.... osteonecrosis