$Unique_ID{BRK02029}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{A Diagnosis of Osteopetrosis or "Marble Bone" and What it Means}
$Subject{marble bone marble bones ivory bone ivory bones osteopetrosis
osteosclerosis fragilis generalisata Albers-Schonberg disease bone marrow
bones bone growth bone disease fractures}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Diagnosis of Osteopetrosis or "Marble Bone" and What it Means


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QUESTION:  As the result of an auto accident, I had several x-rays taken in an
emergency department.  All was well, but the doctor made a strange remark.  He
said my bones were most unusual because I had something called "marble bone"
disease.  When I tried to get more information he said it was nothing to worry
about, and rushed off to another case.  I can't find this term anywhere.  Can
you please look it up and tell me what type of disease this is and what it
means to me?

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ANSWER:  There are several names for your condition including Ivory Bone, the
more scientific term "osteopetrosis" (or osteosclerosis fragilis generalisata)
as well as the name of the physician who first described the condition in
1904, Albers-Schonberg disease.  It is an inherited disease, and there are two
types.  The much more serious of the two is the malignant recessive form,
which occurs in children and is fatal.  The other, a benign dominant form, is
seen in adults, often causes no symptoms, and is frequently diagnosed on a
routine x-ray, although bone pain and recurring fractures are also present in
some cases.  The bone is abnormally dense, and in the malignant form of the
disease it is so thick that it takes up the space where marrow normally
grows.  It is a rare disease and its incidence is estimated to be from 1 in
100,000 to 1 in 500,000 people.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.