Paget's disease with spinal cord compression

The authors present 5 patients who suffered from spinal cord compression complicating Paget's disease. The characteristic clinical picture is that of a middle aged man complaining of sensory disturbances in the legs, difficulty in walking, and culminating in a spastic paraparesis. Some cases are associated with a paraspinal mass. This represents partially calcified osteoid tissue and extends from the vertebral periosteum and para-osseous connective tissue. It does not necessarily signify malignant change. Myelography defines the extent of the compression. One of the authors' cases had a complete block before there were any neurological symptoms. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt decompressive laminectomy and record the improvement that may be expected after operation. They make the important point that a patient may be able to walk again after laminectomy even if he had been paralysed for as long as 6 months.