Osteitis Fibrosa Overview
Learn About Osteitis Fibrosa
Osteitis fibrosa is a complication of hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which overactive parathyroid glands cause certain bones to become abnormally weak and deformed.
Osteitis fibrosa cystica; Hyperparathyroidism - osteitis fibrosa; Brown tumor of bone
The parathyroid glands are 4 tiny glands in the neck. These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps regulate calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and is important for healthy bones.
Too much parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism) can lead to increased bone breakdown, which can cause bones to become weaker and more fragile. Many people with hyperparathyroidism eventually develop osteoporosis. Not all bones respond to PTH in the same way. Some develop abnormal areas where the bone is very soft and has almost no calcium in it. This is osteitis fibrosa.
In rare cases, parathyroid cancer causes osteitis fibrosa.
Osteitis fibrosa is now very rare in people who have hyperparathyroidism and good access to medical care. It is more common in people who develop hyperparathyroidism at a young age, or have untreated hyperparathyroidism for a long time.
Osteitis fibrosa may cause bone pain or tenderness. There may be fractures (breaks) in the arms, legs, or spine, or other bone problems.
Hyperparathyroidism itself may cause any of the following:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Weakness
Most of the bone problems from osteitis fibrosa can be reversed with surgery to remove the abnormal parathyroid gland(s). Some people may choose not to have surgery, and instead be followed with blood tests and bone measurements.
If surgery is not possible, medicines can sometimes be used to lower the blood calcium level.
Joel Box is a General Surgeon and a Surgical Oncologist in Calhoun, Georgia. Dr. Box and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteitis Fibrosa. His top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Gastrectomy, and Hernia Surgery. Dr. Box is currently accepting new patients.
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Inc
Pierpont Brown is a General Surgeon in Gainesville, Georgia. Dr. Brown and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteitis Fibrosa. His top areas of expertise are Hyperparathyroidism, Parathyroid Hyperplasia, Familial Isolated Hyperparathyroidism, Hernia Surgery, and Vagotomy. Dr. Brown is currently accepting new patients.
The Longstreet Clinic, PC
Derek Pendarvis is a General Surgeon in Gainesville, Georgia. Dr. Pendarvis and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Osteitis Fibrosa. His top areas of expertise are Gallbladder Disease, Cholecystitis, Gallstones, and Choledocholithiasis. Dr. Pendarvis is currently accepting new patients.
Complications of osteitis fibrosa include any of the following:
- Bone fractures
- Deformities of bone
- Pain
- Problems due to hyperparathyroidism, such as kidney stones and kidney failure
Contact your health care provider if you have bone pain, tenderness, or symptoms of hyperparathyroidism.
Routine blood tests done during a medical checkup or for another health problem usually detect a high calcium level before severe damage is done.
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Published Date: May 20, 2024
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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