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Medical Author:

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Jason C. Eck, DO, MS

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Indications for surgery for Paget's disease include bony deformity, pathologic fractures, and neurologic dysfunction due to spinal stenosis, degenerative joint disease, or malignant transformation to sarcoma.

While many cases of deformity and fractures can be treated nonoperatively, some people benefit from surgery to realign the bone and allow for healing in a more natural position.

Patients with neurologic dysfunction due to involvement of the spine may benefit from spinal decompression. This involves removing portions of the bone surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots to alleviate compression of these structures.

Cases of severe degenerative joint disease, most commonly the hip and knee, may be treated with joint replacement surgery to relieve pain and improve function and mobility.

In the rare cases of malignant transformation to sarcoma, removal of the affected bones may be justified.

Other Therapy

Patients with involvement of the joints often benefit from a physical therapy and muscle strengthening program.

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