Osteitis deformans is a hyperplasia of bone described by Paget in
1856. Paget's patient was a gentleman of forty-six who had always
enjoyed good health; without assignable cause he began to be
subject to aching pains in the thighs and legs. The bones of the
left leg began to increase in size, and a year or two later the
left femur; also enlarged considerably. During a period of twenty
years these changes were followed by a growth of other bones. The
spine became firm and; rigid, the head increased 5 1/4 inches in
circumference. The bones of the face were not affected. When
standing, the patient had a peculiar bowed condition of the legs,
with marked flexure at the knees. He finally died of
osteosarcoma, originating in the left radius, Paget collected
eight cases, five of whom died of malignant disease. The
postmortem of Paget's case showed extreme thickening in the bones
affected, the femur and cranium particularly showing
osteoclerosis. Several cases have been recorded in this country;
according to Warren, Thieberge analyzed 43 cases; 21 were men, 22
women; the disease appeared usually after forty.
Acromegaly is distinguished from osteitis deformans in that it is
limited to hypertrophy of the hands, feet, and face, and it
usually begins earlier.
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