Medicine | stems4STEM

Osteonecrosis

Posted on March 26, 2023 by pixel2026

Roots:

osteo– : of or relating to bone (Greek)

–necro : death (Greek)

–osis : a process or condition (Greek)

Based on these roots, we can assume that osteonecrosis is a process involving bone death.

Osteonecrosis occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to bone tissue, causing tiny breaks in the bone, eventually causing it to collapse. An injury like a broken bone or dislocated joint might damage blood vessels leading to the bone resulting in reduced blood flow to the bone. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption and steroid use may lead to fatty deposits in blood vessels contributing to low blood supply to bones.

Diagram shows osteonecrotic bone (left) compared to healthy bone (right). The osteonecrotic bone has reduced bone density as a result of low blood flow. Image credit: https://www.spineorthocenter.com/services/orthopedic/joint-diseases/osteonecrosis/

Osteogenesis imperfecta

Posted on January 15, 2023 by pixel2026

Roots:

osteo– : of or relating to bone (Greek)

–genesis : formation, origination, creation (Greek)

im– (also in-, ir- and il-) : not, without (Latin)

Based on these roots, I can ascertain that this condition may have something to do with the improper formation of bones.

Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, refers to a group of genetic disorders that result in fragile bones. The main cause is a congenital problem in the formation of type I collagen, which is vital to the formation of healthy bones. Patients with this condition can suffer from easily fractured bones, short stature, and hearing loss. Treatment options include surgical correction of bone deformities caused by repetitive fractures, fracture prevention, and drug therapy, including the use of growth hormones.

Image above shows the legs of a child affected by osteogenesis imperfecta – note the multiple fractures and malformed bones. Case courtesy of Badis Al Harbawi, Radiopaedia.org. From the case rID: 87221

Osteoporosis

Posted on January 8, 2023 by pixel2026

Roots:

osteo- : of or relating to bone (Greek)

–por- : A passageway or a small hole (Greek)

-osis : a process or condition (Greek)

Based on the Greek roots, you can tell that osteoporosis is a condition where the bones have many small holes in them.

Osteoporosis is a condition that entails reduced bone mass, increasing the risk of bone fractures for an individual. It is most common among women and the elderly. Osteoporosis can be caused by factors like reduced levels of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, medications, and malnutrition. Prevention methods include a proper diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.