Fibrous Dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is a very rare disorder affecting bone development. It’s caused by a gene mutation at conception, but it is not hereditary. Individuals with this condition develop fibrous tissue in place of normal bone, which affects structural integrity and strength and could lead to bone fracture and deformity. While the condition can appear in any part of the body, most cases affect the skull or long bones of the arms or legs.

This challenging medical condition typically doesn’t generate any symptoms and is often discovered in x-rays conducted for an unrelated condition. However, recognizing and diagnosing the condition is best handled by an orthopedic specialist, like Dr. Daniel C. Allison at his practice in Los Angeles. Most practitioners are not as experienced as Dr. Allison in treating this highly unique bone disorder, which requires advanced surgical skills needed to restore damaged bone while preserving the surrounding tissue.

Symptoms of Fibrous Dysplasia

Most people with fibrous dysplasia don’t have any symptoms and often the disorder is diagnosed when an X-ray is taken for an unrelated medical reason.

However, this bone development disease typically compromises musculoskeletal structures by weakening bones, which can provoke a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including:

• • Fractures
  • Bone pain
  • Bone deformities
  • Nerve entrapment

The disorder can also affect quality of life in the following ways:

• • Interrupting sleep
  • Limiting weight-bearing activities
  • Impaired movement Persistent pain

Patients with fibrous dysplasia who consult with their doctors are referred to an experienced orthopedic specialist like Dr. Allison who is best qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. Dr. Allison will order more tests to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the extent of the disorder.

Diagnostics which are routinely performed include:

• • Biopsy – test bone density and content
  • Bone scan – identifies bone damage
  • CT Scan or MRI – assesses extent of bone damage

Dr. Allison is thorough with his assessments. Fibrous dysplasia is a rare condition which not only affects complex musculoskeletal structures, it can also affect appearance, and Dr. Allison is sensitive to the personal needs of his patients who could also require some restructuring of physical features.