Osteosclerosis Health Dictionary

The compactness of bone tissue in relation to its volume. A decrease in bone density is a normal part of aging. However, in some people, excessive loss of density (see osteoporosis) can lead to fractures. Less commonly, an increase in bone density (see osteosclerosis) occurs in certain disorders (see osteopetrosis; Paget’s disease). Bone density can be measured by a technique known as densitometry, which uses low-dose X-rays.... bone density

(osteoarthrosis) n. a degenerative disease of joints resulting in loss of the articular cartilage, remodelling of adjacent bone, and inflammation. It can be primary or it can occur secondarily to abnormal load to the joint or damage to the cartilage from inflammation or trauma. The joints become painful and stiff with restricted movement. Osteoarthritis is recognized on X-ray by narrowing of the joint space (due to loss of cartilage) and the presence of *osteophytes, *osteosclerosis, and cysts in the bone. The condition is treated with analgesics, by reducing the load to the joint by weight loss or the use of a walking stick, or surgically by *osteotomy, *arthrodesis, or *arthroplasty.... osteoarthritis

(Albers-Schönberg disease, marble-bone disease) n. a congenital abnormality in which bones become abnormally dense and brittle and tend to fracture. Affected bones appear unusually opaque to X-rays. In severe forms, which are inherited as autosomal *recessive characteristics, the bone marrow is obliterated, causing anaemia and infections. Mild forms show autosomal *dominant inheritance. Treatment is by bone marrow transplantation. See also osteosclerosis.... osteopetrosis