About Fibrous Dysplasia
Fibrous Dysplasia is a non-congenital disease affecting the genes that create and maintain the bones in the body. Fibrous Dysplasia is present at birth though symptoms do not usually manifest until in the mid-teens. It can often go undetected for several years until the initial fracture or pain. Though Fibrous Dysplasia can affect one bone or many, once it begins to manifest, it rarely spreads into multiple areas. Most patients with Fibrous Dysplasia develop the lesions in the long bones of the body such as the legs and arms.
Detecting Fibrous Dysplasia is difficult before the symptoms begin, but it can often linked to other problems such as birthmarks, hypothyroidism and even early onset puberty. Symptoms of Fibrous Dysplasia include intense pain, frequent fractures and bowing of the bones. A doctor can usually diagnose Fibrous Dysplasia with an X-Ray. The area affected by a lesion of Fibrous Dysplasia may require an MRI to rule out cancerous growths.
Treatment of Fibrous Dysplasia
Fibrous Dysplasia is extremely rare and at present, has no cure. Research is being done to find new ways of dealing with Fibrous Dysplasia to minimize both the symptoms and the debilitating affects. Current treatment options involve correcting the damage, managing the pain and preventing new fractures. The best management for Fibrous Dysplasia is to see a doctor and learn about the options. Treatment may include:
- Pain management through both medication and cognitive techniques. Fibrous Dysplasia patients may wish to consult a pain treatment center to learn the best ways to cope in addition to medication.
- For Fibrous Dysplasia that only manifests in one or two small areas, bone grafting can be done to correct the problem and straighten bowed bones.
- Some patients with Fibrous Dysplasia respond to drug treatments with bisphosphonates.