Paget's disease of bone: A clinical update

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a common destructive condition of bone that affects 1-2% of the population, most typically those over the age of 55 years. It is usually asymptomatic.

The aim of this article is to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with PDB.

Most cases of PDB are diagnosed incidentally on radiographs or as an isolated elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase. Symptomatic patients present with bone pain, fractures, arthritis and features of compression neuropathy. Diagnosis is made on the basis of typical radiological features on plain films, while a radionuclide bone scan may be used to assess the extent of disease. The mainstay of treatment for PDB is bisphosphonate therapy, with zoledronic acid being the most effective agent. A single infusion of zoledronic acid leads to a sustained reduction in bone pain and markers of bone turnover. However, bisphosphonates should be reserved for symptomatic patients, as treatment with these agents has been associated with an increase in rates of fracture in patients with asymptomatic PDB.