Orthopedic pathology, also known as bone pathology, is a subspecialty of surgical pathology which deals with the diagnosis and feature of many bone diseases, specifically studying the cause and effects of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It uses gross and microscopic findings along with the findings of in vivo radiological studies, and occasionally, specimen radiographs to diagnose diseases of the bones.
Causes and effects Orthopaedic disorders may be congenital and there may be hereditary and environmental factors that can affect the normal functioning of the bones, joints, or muscles. Other causes of bone diseases include severe impacts/injuries and weakness in bones/bone loss. The effects of bone disorders will vary with disease. The effects can occur physically, mentally and financially as well as impact the individuals quality of life. Orthopaedic disorders can drastically affect an individual's functional ability. Individuals who have had bone diseases can experience complications such as extreme pain, fractures, height loss and the ability to be mobile. They can also be more susceptible to other issues, for example, a urinary tract infection (UTI) or pneumonia. Many of these bone disorders could lead to declines in both mental and physical health. In addition to a physical impact, bone disorders can also give rise to psychological ramifications and reflect negatively on an individual's mindset, body image as well as self-esteem, which may result in the individual feeling helpless and yield fears of falling. To care for bone diseases and disorders is quite expensive. These costs can include both direct and indirect medical expenses as well as possible job loss or productivity loss for the patient. The chances of death vary enormously between the bone disorders due to the differing degree of severity, however many bone diseases do increase an individual's susceptibility to other complications. These disorders depend on multiple factors such as genetics and environmental factors, thus chances range between many individuals. Individuals are more susceptible to bone fractures as they age with a possibility of more major consequences. This is due to the continual loss of minerals in the bones such as Calcium as well as hormonal changes. Menopause results in mineral loss in bone for women and a slow decline of the production of sex hormones could lead to the development of bone disorders in men, mainly Osteoporosis. The elderly may be more susceptible due to medications they may be taking, worsening in vision as well as decreased ability to use muscle and bones to control balance. As a common bone disorder, osteoporosis affects a large section of the population, resulting in a reduced quality of life, ill health, a variety of diseases or disabilities and death as a possible consequence. Loss of bone minerals means a decline in bone mass, thus bones will be weaker in some areas resulting in individuals to be at risk of minor or major falls that could be detrimental. It is known that exercise can allow for stronger bones in order to slow down bone loss in individuals as muscle mass can be built to support and reduce the risks of bone disease. Weight and balance training, Aerobic exercise and walking are examples of exercises that can maintain an individual's bone mass. In addition rotational movements in which the bone can be pulled with the muscle are seen to be beneficial. Nutrition and smoking is also very important in the development and prevention of bone diseases.
Symptoms Symptoms that patients may experience when bone disorders form can include bone deformities, hip pain, overgrowing of bone in an individual's skull which can result in headaches and a loss of hearing, pain and numbness in arm or legs if the spine is affected and an overall weakness in the body particularly in the hip and knee joints.
Treatments Individuals that are diagnosed with bone disorders need to pay attention to secondary causes as medications and the presence of other disorders can also have major effects. Drugs that can prevent bone loss are called antiresorptives. They can slow the degradation of the skeletal system and decrease the risk of subsequent bone injuries fractures. They can help in repairing the individual's bone strength. In addition to antiresorptives, anabolic therapy can also promote the build up of bones and prevent prospective risks. There are also drugs that can deteriorate bone mass. Glucocorticoid is produced naturally by the body itself in the form of cortisol, however it is known that high levels of this hormone both naturally and synthetically can result in a decreased ability for the body to form bone cells, instead amplifying the breaking down of bone minerals. This impacts the bone loss in an individual's body. Other medications that can affect the production of bone cells and enhance bone loss and fractures include breast cancer and prostate cancer drugs, anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure medication, heartburn drugs and diuretics. There are also medical conditions such as neurological disorders, malabsorption, sex hormone deficiency, diabetes, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism that can influence bone disorders.
Types of Disorders By classifying and understanding the different types of bone diseases, orthopaedic pathologists are able to identify the causes and effects.
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