Severe Symptoms Of Maffucci Syndrome

Osteolysis

Osteolysis is a condition characterized by the progressive destruction of bone tissue or the wearing down of the bones that often presents as a symptom in Maffucci syndrome patients. Osteolysis occurs when an individual's bones reabsorb old bone tissue without replacing it with new bone tissue. This happens in individuals affected by Maffucci syndrome because of the growth of enchondromas. Enchondromas grow and occupy space within the affected bone, which disrupts the body's delicate balance of bone breakdown and rebuilding. In a healthy individual, the osteoclasts in the bones break down old, damaged, or diseased bone tissue as the osteoblasts simultaneously build up new, healthy bone tissue in its place. A healthy balance of both processes allows the bone to maintain its integrity and strength. When there is an abnormal growth present inside of a bone, it can cause the osteoclasts to keep breaking down bone, while the osteoblasts do not deposit bone matrix for new bone. This leads to an uneven breakdown of bone without replacement. When this imbalance causes excessive thinning and weakening of the bones, it is called osteolysis.