Font Size  Paget's Disease of Bone  Paget's disease is a long-
lasting (chronic) disorder that causes abnormal bone growth.
Paget's disease most often affects the bones in the pelvis,
spine, skull, chest, and legs.  In healthy people, bone is
constantly being replaced as bone tissue is broken down and
absorbed into the body, then rebuilt with new cells. In the
early stages of Paget's disease, bone tissue breaks down faster
than it rebuilds. To make up for this breakdown process, the
body speeds up the rebuilding process. This new bone, though, is
often weak and brittle, causing it to break (fracture) more
easily.  Most cases of Paget's disease do not cause symptoms.
But the most common symptoms, when they occur, are bone pain and
deformed bones (bowed legs, enlarged skull or hips, or a curved
backbone).  Paget's disease is most common in middle-aged and
older adults. It may be treated with medicines or, in rare
cases, with surgery.  ByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical
ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medi