Diagnosis | Bone Pain

Diagnosis

Any kind of bone pain should be clarified by a doctor. First of all, a detailed questioning of the affected person by the physician takes place in order to already exclude some possible triggers of the bone pain. The diagnosis can be successful if the person affected can localize the bone pain exactly.

This is followed by an assessment and physical examination of the affected area. In some cases no further examinations are necessary. If bone pain is caused, for example, by a fracture, the diagnosis can often be made simply by looking at the bone and palpating it.

In less clear-cut cases, further procedures such as x-rays are available. Severe changes in bone substance, as well as fractures, bone tumors and bone metastases are often visible in the X-ray image. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to visualize the bone and contribute to finding a diagnosis. If bone remodeling is suspected (for example, in osteoporosis), bone density measurements can also be performed.In the case of bone tumors and bone metastases, the method of choice is the removal of a tissue sample from the painful bone, which is then examined under a microscope. Further indications of the cause of bone pain can also be obtained by examining the blood and urine of the person affected.

Therapy

The treatment depends on the cause of the bone pain and includes conservative, medicinal or surgical measures. Bone fractures can be treated conservatively by immobilizing the affected bone with a plaster cast. Complicated fractures, in which the bone is broken in several places, for example, are often corrected surgically.

During an operation, the bone pieces are placed in their original position and, if necessary, fixed with nails. Surgical removal of the infected part of the bone may also be necessary in the case of inflammation of the bone (osteomyelitis) if treatment with antibiotics is unsuccessful. The aim of the treatment of bone loss (osteoporosis) is to slow down the progression of the disease.

A cure is currently not yet possible. With the help of various measures, such as sporting activity, attempts are made to stimulate bone formation. Some drugs can also help to promote bone formation.

In addition, the intake of vitamin D and calcium is recommended. Vitamin D and calcium also play an important role in the treatment of painful bone softening (osteomalacia or rickets). By eliminating the vitamin D or calcium deficiency, the progression of bone softening can be stopped.

There is no cure for osteodystrophia deformans, a pathological change in bone substance. The aim of the therapy is to alleviate the symptoms with the help of physiotherapy and pain-reducing drugs. Drugs that stimulate bone formation can also be used.

The therapy of bone tumors and bone metastases consists of a combination of surgical removal of the bone tumor, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Depending on the extent and localization of the bone tumor, a cure is possible. No treatment is necessary for growth pains occurring in childhood.