Fibrous Dysplasia

What is fibrous dysplasia?

Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic disorder in which bone expands due to abnormal development of fibrous tissue, often resulting in one, or more, of the following:

uneven growth of bones
pain
brittle bones
bone deformity

Any bone can be affected. More than one bone can be affected at any one time, and, 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. The most commonly affected bones include the following:

femur (thighbone)
tibia (shin bone)
ribs
skull
facial bones
humerus (the bone of the upper arm)
pelvis
vertebrae in the spine (less often)

Some people develop hormonal problems and a condition called McCune-Albright syndrome. McCune-Albright syndrome, another form of fibrous dysplasia, includes different symptoms, such as early onset of puberty and skin spots, called café-au-lait spots.

Fibrous dysplasia usually occurs in children and young adults, and is found equally between males and females.

What causes fibrous dysplasia?

The exact cause of fibrous dysplasia is not known, but it is believed to be due to a chemical abnormality in the protein of the bone. It may be an inherited disorder.

What are the symptoms of fibrous dysplasia?

The following are the most common symptoms for fibrous dysplasia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

a waddling walk
bone pain (as a consequence of the expanding fibrous tissue in the bone)
bone deformity
bone fractures
scoliosis - a lateral, or sideways, curvature and rotation of the back bones (vertebrae), giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.

The symptoms of fibrous dysplasia may resemble other bone disorders or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is fibrous dysplasia diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for fibrous dysplasia may include the following:

x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present; to remove tissue from the affected bone.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
blood tests

Treatment for fibrous dysplasia:

Specific treatment for fibrous dysplasia will be determined by your physician based on:

your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

surgery, including the following:
- removal of affected bone, followed by bone grafting (a surgical procedure in which healthy bone is transplanted from another part of the patient's body into the affected area)
- removal of bone wedge
- placement of a rod down the shaft of the bone
medication
pain management
physical therapy

Click here to view the
Online Resources of Bone Disorders

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