Radiologic observations on bone resorption in Paget's disease.

The diagnosis of Paget's disease of bone at its earliest osteolytic phase is difficult and requires radiographs of the highest quality. Calcitonin controls the bone resorption of uncomplicated Paget's disease but does not prevent disuse osteoporosis in normal and pagetic bones. Cessation of treatment leads to a recurrence of the osteolytic phase of the disease in some patients. Retreatment with human calcitonin arrests the bone resorption and permits bony consolidation of resorption clefts.