Osteosclerosis is a disorder that is characterized by
abnormal hardening of bone and an elevation in bone density. It may predominantly affect the
medullary portion and/or
cortex of bone. Plain
radiographs are a valuable tool for detecting and classifying osteosclerotic disorders.[1][2] It can manifest in localized or generalized osteosclerosis. Localized osteosclerosis can be caused by
Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease,
sickle-cell disease and
osteoarthritis among others. Osteosclerosis can be classified in accordance with the causative factor into acquired and hereditary.[2][1]
Types
Acquired osteosclerosis
Osteogenic bone metastasis caused by carcinoma of prostate and breast
Sclerosis of the bones of the thoracic spine due to prostate cancer metastases (CT image)
Sclerosis of the bones of the
thoracic spine due to prostate cancer metastases (CT image)
Diagnosis
Osteosclerosis can be detected with a simple radiography. There are white portions of the bone which appear due to the increased number of bone
trabeculae.[citation needed]
Animals
In the animal kingdom, there also exists a non-pathological form of osteosclerosis, resulting in unusually solid bone structure with little to no marrow. It is often seen in aquatic
vertebrates, especially those living in shallow waters,[8] providing
ballast as an adaptation for an aquatic lifestyle. It makes bones heavier, but also more fragile. In those animal groups, osteosclerosis often occurs together with bone thickening (
pachyostosis). This joint occurrence is called
pachyosteosclerosis.[9]