Ways To Treat Osteopetrosis

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy uses exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, and heat treatments to ease pain and improve function for many types of diseases. For children with osteopetrosis, it can help to improve motor function and control, and it can ease the pain for both children and adults. The objective of this type of therapy is to relieve pain and normalize function as much as possible. In both children and adults, osteopetrosis can interfere with the ability to perform daily tasks. A related type of therapy called occupational therapy can help patients find alternate ways to accomplish basic daily tasks in spite of the limitations caused by osteopetrosis.

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Surgical Intervention

The thickening of the bone caused by osteopetrosis can result in fractures, especially of the femur. This is because the thicker bone is also brittle and not supportive, meaning it can break even from the slightest trauma. The femur, or thighbone, bears a great deal of the body's weight, so it's not surprising fractures from this disease most often occur there. Some fractures will heal on their own, while others will require a splint or cast. However, sometimes a fracture is so serious it requires surgery. This is especially true when a bone has broken up into pieces, known as a comminuted fracture. Another type that will always require surgery is the compound fracture, which is where a piece of bone protrudes through the skin. If a bone affected by this disease fractures, it may require surgical intervention to preserve any normal function.

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