Understanding Fibrous dysplasia: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Fibrous dysplasia

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic problem in which scar-like tissue grows in place of normal bone. It often results in one or more, of the following: * Bone deformity * Brittle bones * Pain * Uneven growth of bones Any bone can be affected. More than one bone can be affected at any one time. When multiple bones are affected, it is not unusual for them to all be on one side of the body. However, fibrous dysplasia does not spread from one bone to another. Fibrous dysplasia usually occurs in children ages 3 to 15. It is sometimes not diagnosed until adulthood. It is found equally in men and women.

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Signs & symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms for fibrous dysplasia. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: * A waddling walk * Bone deformity * Bone fractures * Bone pain (which happens when the fibrous tissue expands in the bone) * Scoliosis (a sideways curve of the spine) The symptoms of fibrous dysplasia may look like other medical problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, other tests may include: * Biopsy- A test in which tissue samples are removed from the body and looked at under a microscope. It can help determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. It can also be done to remove tissue from the affected bone. * Bone scan- Your doctor may order a bone scan to look for additional lesions throughout your entire skeleton. During this test, a very small amount of radioactive dye is injected into the body by IV. * Lab tests- When fibrous dysplasia lesions are actively growing, blood and urine tests may show elevated levels of the certain enzymes and amino acids in the body. * Other imaging tests- Your healthcare provider may order an MRI or CT scan to further evaluate the affected bones. * X-ray- A diagnostic test that makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

Treatment

Specific treatment for fibrous dysplasia will be determined by your healthcare provider based on: * Your age, overall health, and medical history * Extent of the disease * Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies * Expectations for the course of the disease * Your opinion or preference Surgical treatment may include the following procedures: * Placement of a rod down the shaft of the bone * Removal of affected bone, followed by bone grafting * Removal of bone wedge Other treatment may include: * Medicines * Pain management * Physical therapy

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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