Osteitis Fibrosa: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications

Osteitis Fibrosa– This is a pathological condition of the bone which is usually a complication of hyperparathyroidism which is characterized by bones becoming soft and deformed resulting in numerous symptoms.¹

This is a pathological condition of the bone which is usually associated with production of excessive parathyroid hormones, a medical condition called as hyperparathyroidism.¹ In this disease, the bone becomes soft and deformed. The main aim of treatment is to treat the cause of the condition which is treating the thyroid disorder.

The parathyroid glands are made up of four glands present in the neck, the function of which is to control calcium use and its elimination by body. This is basically done by them by producing parathyroid hormone.² This hormone controls the level of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the blood and bone. When this hormone is produced excessively, it results in increased breakdown of bones making them soft and deformed. In the years gone by majority of the people with hyperparathyroidism were ultimately diagnosed with Osteitis Fibrosa, but this condition is quite rare these days as hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed relatively early these days and treated before the bones start getting affected.

• Bone pain
• Bone tenderness
• Fractures of the extremities

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Excessive fatigue
• Weakness

To diagnose Osteitis Fibrosa, routine blood tests will reveal elevated calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. The alkaline phosphatase level may come out to be lower than normal. Apart from this, x-rays may reveal fragile and thin bones, fractures, or cysts. An x-ray of the bone may reveal signs that may point to osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Majority of orthopedic problems that arises due to Osteitis Fibrosa are cured with a surgical procedure which removes the offending parathyroid glands. This surgical procedure is an elective one and some people choose not to undergo the procedure and get treated with conservative measures only for which medications can be given to reduce the levels of calcium in the blood.

• Bone fractures
• Bone deformities
• Severe pain
• Complications of hyperparathyroidism like kidney stones or renal failure.

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