Osteolysis is a condition where the immune system attempts to resorb bone into the body, often associated with bone and joint disorders or artificial joint implants. It can deteriorate healthy bone tissue, causing severe symptoms and requiring revision surgery. Regular checks can help identify the problem early.
Osteolysis is a condition in which the immune system triggers an attempt to resorb bone into the body. Associated with a number of bone and joint disorders, the condition can sometimes also occur when artificial joints are implanted. There are several types of this condition, including distal clavicular osteolysis.
The process begins when the body detects a type of material that is considered a threat. The immune system triggers the release of osteoclasts to slowly isolate and absorb the material into the body, where it can be converted into materials that pose no threat. Unfortunately, osteolysis can also begin to deteriorate healthy bone tissue when the immune system misidentifies the nature of the so-called foreign material.
The most common examples of osteolysis have to do with the use of artificial joints and implants, such as total shoulder replacement, artificial hip and artificial knee joints. It is not unusual for small pieces of natural bone, as well as tiny bits of the plastic or metal used in the implant, to wear away in major sections of the bone or implant. When this happens, the immune system tries to clean up the area by absorbing those bits of stray particles from the area.
While this condition doesn’t normally produce much in the way of symptoms, the results of the condition can be severe. Over time, the implant can slip out of alignment, making it impossible for the artificial joint to function properly. At the same time, this displacement can put additional pressure on the remaining bone in the area, possibly leading to a fracture or complete breakage. With both of these events, the possibilities of some type of damage to the surrounding tissue opens up the possibility of infection and inflammation which can get quite painful.
However, osteolysis can also occur when no artificial joints are present. Distal osteolysis, also known as clavicular osteolysis or distal clavicle, is a problem that people who lift heavy weights sometimes encounter. For example, a professional bodybuilder may place a great deal of stress on various joints, especially those around the collarbone. The end result is the activation of the immune system to clean up stray bone particles that could lead to further bone erosion. Over time, this makes the collarbone weaker and therefore affects the shoulders’ ability to function properly during weight-lifting exercises.
Due to the nature of osteolysis, it is sometimes necessary to undergo so-called revision surgery. This type of surgery is used to replace the artificial joint with a new unit, repair as much damage as possible, and hopefully allow the individual to enjoy a fair quality of life. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who receives a shoulder, knee, or hip replacement will experience osteolysis. Regular checks will help identify the problem early and make it possible to take action before serious damage occurs.
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