OSTEOPETROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Osteopetrosis, also known as marble bone disease or Albers-Schönberg disease, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by abnormally dense and brittle bones. This condition inhibits the normal process of bone breakdown and rebuilding, leading to an excessive accumulation of bone mass.
In individuals with osteopetrosis, the bone-producing cells called osteoblasts function properly, resulting in increased bone formation. However, the bone-destroying cells called osteoclasts are unable to break down and remove old bone tissue effectively. This disruption in bone remodeling leads to the formation of dense, thickened bones that are prone to fractures and other complications.
Symptoms of osteopetrosis can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs may include bone pain, frequent fractures, dental problems, vision and hearing impairment, short stature, anemia, and an increased risk of infections.
The disorder is typically inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that an affected individual must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent. Osteopetrosis can also result from specific gene mutations that arise spontaneously, without a family history of the condition.
Treatment options for osteopetrosis focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may involve medications to relieve pain, physical therapy to improve mobility and strength, surgical interventions to address fractures or correct other bone abnormalities, and bone marrow transplantation in severe cases. Genetic counseling is essential for affected individuals and their families to understand the inheritance patterns and risks associated with osteopetrosis.
Common Misspellings for OSTEOPETROSIS
- isteopetrosis
- ksteopetrosis
- lsteopetrosis
- psteopetrosis
- 0steopetrosis
- 9steopetrosis
- oateopetrosis
- ozteopetrosis
- oxteopetrosis
- odteopetrosis
- oeteopetrosis
- owteopetrosis
- osreopetrosis
- osfeopetrosis
- osgeopetrosis
- osyeopetrosis
- os6eopetrosis
- os5eopetrosis
- ostwopetrosis
Etymology of OSTEOPETROSIS
The word "osteopetrosis" is derived from two Greek roots: "osteo", which means bone, and "petrosis", which means stone or rock. Therefore, "osteopetrosis" literally translates to "stone-like bones" or "petrified bones". This term accurately reflects the main characteristic of the condition, which is the excessive mineralization and hardening of bones.
Similar spelling words for OSTEOPETROSIS
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