Osteolysis
Encyclopedia
Osteolysis refers to an active resorption
of bone
matrix by osteoclast
s as part of an ongoing disease process.
is commonly associated with many diseases or joint problems, the term osteolysis generally refers to a problem common to artificial joint replacements such as total hip replacements, total knee replacements and total shoulder replacements. Osteolysis can also be associated with the radiographic changes seen in a person with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
There are several biological mechanisms which may lead to osteolysis. In total hip replacement the generally accepted explanation for osteolysis involves wear particles (worn off the contact surface of the artificial ball and socket joint
). As the body attempts to clean up these wear particles (typically consisting of plastic or metal) it triggers an autoimmune reaction which causes resorption
of living bone tissue. Osteolysis has been reported to occur as early as 12 months after implantation and is usually progressive. This may require a revision surgery
(replacement of the prosthesis).
Although osteolysis itself is clinically asymptomatic
, it can lead to implant loosening or bone breakage, which in turn cause serious medical problems.
s due to high stresses put on the clavicle
as it meets with the acromion. This condition is often referred to as "weight lifter's shoulder."
A common surgery to treat recalcitrant DCO is re-sectioning of the distal clavicle, removing a few millimetres of bone from the very end of the bone.
Bone resorption
Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the blood....
of bone
Bone
Bones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support, and protect the various organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells and store minerals. Bone tissue is a type of dense connective tissue...
matrix by osteoclast
Osteoclast
An osteoclast is a type of bone cell that removes bone tissue by removing its mineralized matrix and breaking up the organic bone . This process is known as bone resorption. Osteoclasts were discovered by Kolliker in 1873...
s as part of an ongoing disease process.
Osteolysis in joint replacement
While bone resorptionBone resorption
Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the blood....
is commonly associated with many diseases or joint problems, the term osteolysis generally refers to a problem common to artificial joint replacements such as total hip replacements, total knee replacements and total shoulder replacements. Osteolysis can also be associated with the radiographic changes seen in a person with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
There are several biological mechanisms which may lead to osteolysis. In total hip replacement the generally accepted explanation for osteolysis involves wear particles (worn off the contact surface of the artificial ball and socket joint
Ball and socket joint
A ball and socket joint is a joint in which the distal bone is capable of motion around an indefinite number of axes, which have one common center...
). As the body attempts to clean up these wear particles (typically consisting of plastic or metal) it triggers an autoimmune reaction which causes resorption
Bone resorption
Bone resorption is the process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release the minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone fluid to the blood....
of living bone tissue. Osteolysis has been reported to occur as early as 12 months after implantation and is usually progressive. This may require a revision surgery
Surgery
Surgery is an ancient medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a patient to investigate and/or treat a pathological condition such as disease or injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.An act of performing surgery may be called a surgical...
(replacement of the prosthesis).
Although osteolysis itself is clinically asymptomatic
Asymptomatic
In medicine, a disease is considered asymptomatic if a patient is a carrier for a disease or infection but experiences no symptoms. A condition might be asymptomatic if it fails to show the noticeable symptoms with which it is usually associated. Asymptomatic infections are also called subclinical...
, it can lead to implant loosening or bone breakage, which in turn cause serious medical problems.
Distal clavicular osteolysis
Distal clavicular osteolysis (DCO) is often associated with problems weightlifters have with their acromioclavicular jointAcromioclavicular joint
The acromioclavicular joint, or AC joint, is a joint at the top of the shoulder. It is the junction between the acromion and the clavicle. -Function:...
s due to high stresses put on the clavicle
Clavicle
In human anatomy, the clavicle or collar bone is a long bone of short length that serves as a strut between the scapula and the sternum. It is the only long bone in body that lies horizontally...
as it meets with the acromion. This condition is often referred to as "weight lifter's shoulder."
A common surgery to treat recalcitrant DCO is re-sectioning of the distal clavicle, removing a few millimetres of bone from the very end of the bone.