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 symptoms:
* Uneven growth of bones.
* Pain.
* Brittle bones.
* Deformity of the bones.
It can affect any bone. It is possible that several bones are affected at once, and when that happens, it’s not unusual that everyone is on the same side of the body. However, fibrous dysplasia does not spread from one bone to another. The bones most commonly affected include:
* The femur (thigh bone).
* The tibia (shin bone).
* The ribs.
* The skull.
* The facial bones.
* The humerus (the bone of the upper arm).
* The pelvis.
* The vertebrae of the spine (less frequently).
Some people develop hormonal problems and a condition called McCune-Albright syndrome. This syndrome, another form of fibrous dysplasia, includes different symptoms, such as early onset of puberty and skin spots called cafe au lait spots.
Fibrous dysplasia usually occurs in children ages 3 to 15, but sometimes not diagnosed until adulthood. It is found equally among men and women. (more…)
