[Paget's disease of bone-a current review of clinical aspects, diagnostics and treatment]

Paget's disease is a monostotic or polyostotic progressive skeletal disease with a genetic predisposition. The affected bone areas show osseous swelling and often grotesque deformation, chronic pain and fractures. Many cases are asymptomatic for a long time resulting in a late diagnosis. The pathogenesis is still unknown. In addition to a genetic predisposition, viral factors are also discussed. Laboratory tests and imaging are used for diagnosis. The effective principle of medicinal bisphosphonate treatment is to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and should be initiated early to prevent secondary complications. This article presents the current knowledge about this rare osteological disease.