Osteitis Deformans – Osteitis Deformans & Fosamax
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Osteitis deformans is a type of chronic bone disorder causing an increase in the breakdown and regrowth of bone tissue, typically resulting in enlarged or deformed bone formations. The chronic bone disorder is commonly referred to as "Paget's disease" after the British surgeon responsible for providing the initial description of the condition, Sir James Paget.
Some cases of osteitis deformans have been linked to the bisphosphonate drug Fosamax. If you or a loved one has developed osteitis deformans after taking Fosamax, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified lawyer will be able to assess your case, educate you on your rights, and give you examples of settlements and lawsuits aimed at obtaining compensation for the side effects of Fosamax.
Osteitis Deformans – Who is at Risk?
Osteitis deformans affects men and women at an equal rate. Although children are susceptible to the development of osteitis deformans, the disease rarely affects people under the age of 40.
Osteitis deformans is believed to be somewhat familial in nature, meaning that there is the possibility of a hereditary factor at play in a person developing the chronic bone disorder. It is therefore recommended that the siblings and children of osteitis deformans sufferers undergo blood testing every two to three years to monitor levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood.
Signs and Symptoms of Osteitis Deformans
There are a number of determining factors that can alert someone to the possible development of osteitis deformans. Oftentimes, osteitis deformans symptoms can be confused with other conditions like arthritis. Some of the common symptoms of osteitis deformans include:
- General or localized bone / joint pain
- Chronic headaches and auditory difficulties
- Nerve pressure
- Hip pain
- Cartilage damage in the joints
- Curvature of the spine and increased head size
Oftentimes, a case of osteitis deformans can go undetected because it is mild to the point that its effects are not too burdensome. As the disorder worsens, its effects can eventually become noticeable, requiring a doctor's visit. Early diagnosis of osteitis deformans is crucial to successful treatment. A lapse in time between development and diagnosis can be detrimental to the patient’s health.
Diagnosis of Osteitis Deformans
If a case of osteitis deformans is diagnosed early enough, the patient has an excellent chance of making a full recovery. There are a number of techniques that are commonly used to diagnose a case of osteitis deformans:
- X-ray: Bones affected by osteitis deformans have a particular appearance that can be viewed via X-ray.
- Blood testing: People suffering from osteitis deformans typically have a higher level of alkaline phosphatase in their blood than non-sufferers.
- Bone scanning: If symptoms are generalized, a bone scan can help to pinpoint the areas affected by osteitis deformans, at which point an X-ray can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Osteitis Deformans Treatment – Osteitis Deformans & Fosamax
Fosamax is the brand name for alendronate, a type of bisphosphonate drug that is commonly prescribed as a type of drug treatment for people suffering from osteitis deformans and numerous other bone diseases (like osteoporosis). Fosamax has recently garnered a great deal of negative publicity because of a causative link that has been established between use of the drug and the development of a serious bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or "dead jaw."
A number of legal claims for Fosamax have been filed against Merck & Co., the manufacturer of the bisphosphonate drug, claiming that the pharmaceutical company did not adequately provide a warning in regards to the serious nature of certain Fosamax side effects. If you or a loved one has developed osteitis deformans or ONJ as a result of Fosamax use, you should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the possibility of obtaining compensation in the form of a settlement or court award.
If you believe that someone you love has died as a result of using any medication, contact a wrongful death attorney for more information regarding causes of negligent deaths and lawsuits. 