As you know, the skeleton is a support for the whole organism. Without a skeletal system, we could not only perform various movements, but even stand. Therefore, the supporting function of the skeleton is one of the most important abilities necessary for life.
Unfortunately, bone diseases are quite common. Most often, they are associated with joint pathologies. In most cases, problems with the musculoskeletal system begin to appear in old age. Especially often they develop in women who are in the period of menopause. However, bone pathologies are found in people of all ages. No exception - children and newborns.
Pathology of the skeletal system: description
Diseases of the bones and joints are characterized by disorders of the musculoskeletal function, which are reflected by symptoms such as a change in gait, inability to make a tilt or turn, deformation of the limb or spine. Pathologies can be either congenital (genetically incorporated) or acquired during life. Diseases are divided into localized (covering one or several bones) and common, which affect the entire musculoskeletal system. Pathologies can have inflammatory, genetic (congenital anomalies), tumor character. Also, lesions of the musculoskeletal system include fractures, dislocations of joints, deformities and contractures during systemic pathologies of the body. Diseases of human bones are equally prevalent throughout the world. More often they are found among the female population. Nevertheless, the percentage of men with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is also large.
Bone and Joint Disease: Varieties
The etiology of osteoarticular pathologies is different. It depends on what kind of disease occurs in a particular case. Based on this, pathologies are divided into the following groups:
- Dystrophic lesions. These include rickets in childhood and osteoporosis, which occurs in adults. Occur due to insufficiency of trace elements (calcium, phosphorus). A lack of these substances can occur with improper nutrition, as well as due to a malfunction of the thyroid gland, ovaries.
- Inflammatory pathologies - osteomyelitis. This disease develops as a result of the introduction of microbial agents into the bone tissue. In this case, its destruction occurs - necrosis.
- Traumatic lesions of the musculoskeletal system. These include cracks and bone fractures. Also included in this group are injuries to joints and ligaments (dislocation, sprain). The causes of traumatic bone diseases are shock, compression, and other mechanical factors.
- Degenerative (dysplastic) pathologies. To include osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis. The etiological factor of these pathologies is precisely unknown. It is believed that they can have a hereditary (genetic) character, and also relate to autoimmune lesions of bone tissue.
- Tumor lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
- Rare genetic syndromes. These include Paget's disease, imperfect osteogenesis, etc.
The reasons for the development of bone pathologies
Despite the fact that all bone diseases have a different etiology, there are factors that provoke any of the above pathologies. These include the following effects:
- Improper nutrition. Inadequate intake of calcium-rich foods leads to a decrease in bone density. As a result, osteoporosis develops in adults.
- Lack of sunlight. This reason leads to a disease such as rickets. This pathology is common in young children.
- Disruption of the hormonal background. This is especially true of the thyroid gland. This body is responsible for maintaining the balance between calcium and phosphorus, which is necessary for the skeletal system. Also, disorders of the parathyroid glands and ovaries can lead to pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
- Excessive load on the skeleton. This reason implies the constant carrying of weights, prolonged physical activity, and obesity.
- Chronic foci of infection. It is worth remembering that a bacterial or viral lesion of any organ can lead to the penetration of microbes into the bone system.
- Systemic pathologies.
- Genetic predisposition to diseases of bones and joints. For example, osteoarthritis or gout in parents.
The clinical picture in bone pathologies
Symptoms of bone disease depend on the pathology itself, as well as on its severity. Nevertheless, the clinical picture of diseases of the musculoskeletal system has some common characteristics. These include discomfort during movements, deformation of the bone or joint, swelling and pain at the site of the lesion. These signs are characteristic of almost all pathologies. Inflammatory bone diseases in addition to the listed symptoms are manifested by an increase in body temperature, general weakness, loss of appetite.
A pathology such as osteoporosis may not have any clinical picture. It is usually possible to suspect a disease due to frequent trauma to the patient, leading to bone fractures.
Another pathology of a dystrophic nature is osteomalacia. In adults, it can be considered an independent disease, in children - a manifestation of rickets. The main symptom of osteomalacia is soreness at the site of bone softening, unpleasant sensations when walking.
The clinical manifestations of cancer of the musculoskeletal system depend on the stage of the process. Typically, a tumor is characterized by the appearance of a site of compaction (elevation) along the bone, which tends to grow. In severe stages, there is an increase in lymph nodes, low-grade fever, weakness.
Diagnosis of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system
To find out what bone diseases can be observed in a patient, it is necessary to conduct an examination not only of the musculoskeletal system, but also of the whole organism. The main reason for going to the clinic is complaints of pain, limitation of movements, deformation. The specialist should find out the following factors: whether there was an injury or excessive physical exertion. After this, an examination of the osteoarticular system is carried out. The doctor asks the patient to make various movements and evaluates their implementation. Among laboratory data, indicators such as leukocytes and ESR, uric acid, calcium and phosphorus are important. Also, if the patient complains of pain or stiffness of the joints, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to identify the rheumatoid factor. In addition, bone radiography is performed. If necessary, computed tomography is performed.
Differential diagnosis of bone disease
In order to distinguish one bone disease from another, you need to carefully examine the patient. Upon receipt of injuries, a radiography is performed immediately and diagnosis is not difficult. The inflammatory process can be suspected due to examination of the limb (the presence of a wound with purulent contents, hyperemia and edema), an increase in body temperature, laboratory data (leukocytosis, acceleration of ESR). Dystrophic bone changes are diagnosed using x-rays. If a tumor or cyst is suspected, computed tomography is performed. Pathologies such as osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis are detected (to a greater extent) due to the clinical picture. They differ in severe deformation of the musculoskeletal system and a change in gait.
Bone Disease: Treating Pathologies
Even with minor soreness or restriction of movements, you should consult a doctor. When getting injured, it is important to take an x-ray on time and apply a cast, as the bone may not grow together properly, after which a longer treatment will be required. You should also seek medical help if ulcers appear. This is especially true for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and varicose veins. Despite the fact that these pathologies are not associated with the musculoskeletal system, trophic ulcers can lead to the development of osteomyelitis. With curvature of the spine, flat feet and impaired gait, you need to contact an orthopedist. The traumatologist is responsible for fractures and dislocations of the joints. A rheumatologist specializes in an inflammatory reaction as a result of an autoimmune process.
Bone pathology diet therapy
Any bone disease is an indication for dieting. Proper nutrition will not only help strengthen bones, but also avoid the further development of pathology. Most of all it concerns traumatic and dystrophic diseases. To ensure the proper level of calcium in the body, it is necessary to consume dairy products. The highest content of this element is observed in hard cheese, cottage cheese, and kefir. Other sources of calcium include liver, cabbage, and nuts. Sugar, grapes, beans and alcohol are not recommended.
Medical and surgical treatment
In inflammatory diseases of bones and joints, NSAIDs are used. These include medicines “Diclofenac”, “Artoxan”, “Aertal”. Pain medication is also recommended. For example, the drug "Ketonal." This medication is also necessary for traumatic bone lesions. Menopausal women often develop osteoporosis. To reduce brittle bones, the use of estrogen-containing drugs is recommended. With severe deformation of the musculoskeletal system, surgery is performed. Surgical treatment is also indicated in case of detection of a tumor and the development of osteomyelitis.
Bone pathology prophylaxis
To avoid the appearance or development of bone pathologies, it is necessary to observe a diet, get rid of excess weight. It is also recommended to perform a set of physical exercises, but the main thing here is not to overdo it. Prevention of inflammatory processes is the rehabilitation of foci of infection and antibiotic therapy during exacerbation of chronic diseases (sinusitis, tonsillitis).