Paget's Disease of Bone: Progress Towards Remission and Prevention

Paget's disease of bone is a focal disorder of bone remodelling leading to areas of enlarged weakened bone manifesting with chronic pain, bone deformity, and fracture. Predominantly a disease of older adults, its prevalence is strongly linked to European ancestry. Pre-disposing factors include exposure to viruses such as measles and mutations in the SQSTM1 gene. PDB is diagnosed on plain radiograph, the extent of disease is delineated by radionuclide bone imaging, the degree of activity is quantified biochemically, and it is treated with a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, most effectively by a single intravenous infusion of zoledronate 5mg. Lifelong specialist follow-up is advocated because some patients require repeated infusions. Current clinical research is focusing on genetic factors in order to identify patients suitable for prevention.