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Fibrous Dysplasia in Dallas, TX

Patients can rely on the International Craniofacial Institute in Dallas, Texas for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for fibrous dysplasia. The condition most commonly affects the head and neck area of the patient, which results in abnormal development.

What Is Fibrous Dysplasia?

Fibrous dysplasia is a condition that affects the skeleton and can typically be detected early in childhood. It is usually characterized by jaw swelling. In some instances, the disease may cause the teeth to separate, and the area can appear to be severely disfigured. As the bones grow during the developmental years of the patient, the condition may grow progressively worse. It will cease when the bones stop growing.

Who Is Affected by Fibrous Dysplasia?

Since it is a birth defect, infants are primarily affected. Although, it’s a birth defect, it’s not hereditary. Additionally, it is also non-cancerous. Thus, it can affect anyone if the conditions are right.

What Is the Cause of Fibrous Dysplasia?

The condition is linked to a genetic mutation that negatively affects the way cells produce bone. After conception occurs, the mutation begins, typically in the early stages of fetal development. The condition cannot be passed on to your children.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibrous Dysplasia?

With fibrous dysplasia, the bone never matures. It just simply stops in the woven bone stage. The problem will eventually lead to deformation of facial features and will affect the shape of the skull.

Fibrous dysplasia affects the face and head in 27 percent of monostotic patients and 50 percent of polyostotic patients. Fibrous dysplasia that involves both the face and the skull is called “Leontiasis Ossea.” Without treatment, the bones will continue to increase in size progressively. It will eventually move into the cavities of the mouth and the nose. If abnormal protrusion of the eyeball develops, your sight may be negatively affected. Your nasal passages and eating habits may also be affected.

There are multiple types of fibrous dysplasia. Monostotic disease is the most common type of fibrous dysplasia, and it occurs in 70 percent of the cases. The second most common type of fibrous disease occurs in more than one bone and affects almost 30 percent of the fibrous dysplasia population. With this type of the disease, the head and neck are most commonly affected. The third and least common type of disease is McCune-Albright syndrome. It represents only approximately three percent of all patients.

How Is Fibrous Dysplasia Diagnosed?

X-rays and imaging tests are most commonly used to diagnose the condition. A physician may order a combination of imaging tests, bone scan, and biopsy to confirm that a patient has the disease. People with mild forms of the disease may not know until it is discovered on an x-ray while searching for another condition.

How Is Fibrous Dysplasia Treated?

Fibrous dysplasia can be treated with osteoporosis medications such as pamidronate, which is known for relieving pain, reducing the risk of fractures, and strengthening bones. Surgery may also be recommended to correct a deformity, fix a fracture, correct a difference in limb lengths, or to remove an affected area of the bone.

Why Choose International Craniofacial Institute?

Since its founding by Dr. Kenneth Salyer in 1971, the International Craniofacial Institute has gained worldwide recognition as being one of the most advanced facilities in the treatment of craniofacial disorders. The complexity of the field means we understand our patients have an array of dental, medical, psychosocial, and surgical needs. To address these issues, our team consists of many dedicated professionals who represent more than 15 disciplines of specialty. Our physicians have successfully treated more than 17,000 patients from more than 30 different countries. We additionally train surgeons from many world locations in the advanced techniques required for craniofacial diagnosis, surgical correction, and repair.

For further information about Fibrous Dysplasia, you can visit the Fibrous Dysplasia Treatment Center site.

If you have a child or another family member who is suffering from a genetic syndrome or has a cleft lip, cleft palate, or craniofacial complication, the staff at the International Craniofacial Institute can help. Contact us today to talk with the doctors and staff about your options and how we can help.