Fibrous Dysplasia
What is Fibrous Dysplasia ?
Fibrous dysplasia happens when abnormal fibrous (scar-like) tissue replaces healthy bone. The fibrous tissue weakens the bone over time, which can lead to fractures (breaks) and misshapen bones. Some people with fibrous dysplasia have no symptoms, or only a few symptoms, usually in one bone (monostotic). Other people may have multiple affected bones (polyostotic) and experience more symptoms. The disease may occur alone or as part of a condition known as McCune-Albright syndrome, which affects the bone as well as the skin and endocrine (hormone-producing) tissues.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for fibrous dysplasia; however, treatments may help to relieve pain, and supportive measures such as physical therapy may help strengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
Symptoms
- Broken bones
- Bone pain
- Changes in the shape of your bones
- Painless, swollen area on your ribs
- Curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
- Bone fractures
- Bulging eyes
- Jaw misalignment
- Misaligned or misshapen teeth
- Nasal congestion
- Swelling
- Very early puberty
Cause
Fibrous dysplasia happens when a gene mutates (changes) after conception, early in the pregnancy. There is nothing that the mother can do to prevent this from happening. Unfortunately, researchers do not know what causes the gene to mutate; however, they have identified the gene and continue to study why fibrous dysplasia develops. Because the disease develops from a mutated gene, children do not inherit the gene from their parents and will not pass the disease to their children.
Risk Factors
Fibrous dysplasia is not common, but anyone can develop the disease. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults; however, it was probably present but not diagnosed at birth. Race, sex, environmental exposures, and geographic location do not influence who develops the disease.
When to see a Doctor
See your doctor if you or your child develops bone pain that increases with weight-bearing activity or doesn’t go away with rest, bone pain that interrupts sleep, difficulty walking or limping, unexplained swelling, changes in bone shape, difference in limb length.