Chapter X - Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Joints correlated to the Oral Tissues

Abstract

This chapter discusses the diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints correlated to the oral tissues. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare hereditary and congenital disease involving the ossification of bones. The disease is characterized by imperfect ossification of bones with ensuing multiple fractures of long bones, blue scleras, deafness, weakness of ligaments, and peculiar shape of bones. Oral manifestations of osteogenesis imperfecta are discernible in the jaws and skull. Osteogenesis imperfecta tarda produces marked fragility, multiple pathologic fractures and deformity result from improper healing of the fracture site. Dentinogenesis Imperfecta may occur with osteogenesis imperfecta or may develop independently of this disease. When dentinogenesis imperfecta is present, the teeth have a peculiar brown color with obliteration of the pulp chamber and canals of both deciduous and permanent teeth. The latter situation is termed hereditary opalescent dentine. Achondroplasia or dwarfism is because of a disturbance in endochondral bone formation. The disease is transmitted by a Mendelian dominant characteristic. Cleidocranial Dysostosis is a congenital and on occasion a Mendelian dominant hereditary malformation of the skeleton. The malformation is characterized by partial or complete absence of the clavicles and defects of the skull. Craniofacial Dysostosis is a malformation of the cranium associated with facial and ocular deformities. The deformities of the skull are similar to those described for cleidocranial dysostosis; however, the clavicles are normal. Craniofacial dysostosis is accompanied by exophthalmos and strabismus.