Answer
The pain sensations transmitted by nociceptive receptors in periosteal sensory nerve fibers supply valuable information to individuals/patients, as well as to medical professionals. Some of the following are cases in point:
Bone pain warns of bone cancer --metastatic or "true" bone cancers. The bone pain also alerts us to the presence and severity of bone fractures. Bone infections (osteomyelitis) ; genetic bone diseases ( Paget's disease) and degenerative ( osteoarthritis) and immunological ( rheumatoid) arthritis) all manifest by causing pain that propels the affected person to seek medical attention.
Work Step by Step
Bone pain also guides doctors/surgeons in the performance of bone marrow needle biopsies. When the pain starts he/she knows the needle is entering periosteal tissue; when it subsides, he/she knows it is through and into the marrow cavity. This is very valuable guidance that diminishes the chance of causing unnecessary damage to structures in the marrow cavity.
