What is "osteolysis"

Osteolysis \Os`te*ol"y*sis\, n. [NL. osteo- + Gr. ly`sis a loosing.] Softening and absorption of bone. -- Os`te*o*lyt"ic, a.

n. The resorption or dissolution of bone tissue

n. lysis of bone caused by disease or infection or inadequate blood supply

Osteolysis is an active resorption of bone matrix by osteoclasts and can be interpreted as the reverse of ossification. Although osteoclasts are active during the natural formation of healthy bone the term "osteolysis" specifically refers to a pathological process. Osteolysis often occurs in the proximity of a prosthesis that causes either an immunological response or changes in the bone's structural load. Osteolysis may also be caused by pathologies like bone tumors, cysts, or chronic inflammation.