Ways To Treat Osteopetrosis
October 2, 2018
Osteopetrosis is an inherited bone disease that causes the bones to become too dense. Symptoms can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Bone contains specialized cells known as osteoclasts, which are responsible for the breakdown of old bone so new, healthy bone can replace it. Individuals with osteopetrosis have a malfunction in their osteoclasts that causes them to fail to break down old bone. The bones overgrow and thicken, and become unstable and easily broken. This overgrowth can put pressure on nerves and can even crowd out the bone's marrow, where vital blood cells are formed. Osteopetrosis can be treated, but it can't be cured. Learn about the treatment methods now.