In: Biology
Relate the disease processes that cause osteoporosis,
osteomalacia, rickets, and osteosarcoma to what you have learned
about the structure, composition, and growth of bone tissue.
Identify the symptoms and treatments for each of these
diseases.
Osteoporosis- Osteoporosis is a generalized metabolic bone disease characterized by insufficient formation or increased resorption of bone matrix that results in decreased bone mass and deterioration of bone.
Symptoms- Many people have no symptoms until they have a bone fracture, back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebral, loss of height over a period of time.
Treatment- includes medications (vitamin, dietary supplement, antacid, hormone), a healthy diet and weight-bearing exercise to help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.
Osteomalacia- is a bone disease in adults, caused by impaired bone metabolism which in turn causes inadequate bone mineralization. Impaired bone metabolism is due to insufficient calcium, vitamin D or phosphate or calcium resorption.
Symptoms- diffuse bone pain, fatigue and proximal muscle pains, waddling gait, fracture or body deformities.
Treatment- by increasing Vitamin D intake, either through direct source that is sunlight, or dietary source or supplements. Physiotherapy for strengthening muscles.
Rickets- Is a bone disease that affects infants and young ones due to vitamin D, calcium or phosphorus deficiency.
Symptoms- soft and weakened bones, fractures, bone and muscle pain, and bony deformities, dental problems such as teeth failing to form or being slow to emerge
Treatment- include improved sunlight exposure, diet, vitamin D and mineral supplements, surgery to correct bone deformities.
Osteosarcoma- A type of bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones. It tends to occur in children and young adults.
Symptoms- include localised bone pain ( mainly in bones or knee), limping and swelling.
Treatment- involves surgery( amputation, bone grafting), chemotherapy and radiation, medical devices like prosthetics.
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