Things You Need To Know About Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva According to Dr. Vivek Baliga We live in the age of constant advancement in science and technology. Dr. Vivek Baliga believes that everyday there is a new cure for some medical condition or the other. But, the reality remains that there are many syndromes and conditions that are occurring worldwide and still, we can’t find any solution out there to cure them. One such medical condition is the Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva which is so rare that it has been recorded to have occurred in only 8 people till today. Let us find more about this rare medical condition. About FOP Dr. Vivek Baliga reviews that FOP or Stone Man’s Disease or Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva is a rare genetic disorder that occurs in humans as a result of genetic mutation. It is said that FOP is an Autosomal Dominant Condition; meaning, that all one requires to get affected by this condition is only one parent’s gene. Most of the times it just occurs as a genetic mutation in the sense that it happens as a result of a natural accident. This condition is explained to be a condition in which a person’s soft muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue hardens up into bones forming an unnecessary bridge. This means that the person would grow bones in the places where he is supposed to have flesh. This syndrome hinders movement partially and completely depending upon the severity of the case. It can affect any part of the body like the spine, feet, hands, face, neck, etc. Or the whole body. A person who has FOP has 50% chances of passing on the gene to his/her children but, it is not necessary that the condition occurs compulsorily.
Symptoms and Treatment It is said that the symptoms can be seen as early as the birth time of the person. If there s a strange deformity in the big toe of the baby, it is generally associated with this condition. The deformity is called the Valgus Deviation. Their childhood is very painful as they develop bones and muscles and bones in place of muscles. It can cause immense pain and swelling. The process spreads to the rest of the body during the course of the person’s life. It is extremely painful and dreadful. The diagnosis is made generally with the big toe malformation clue. Plus, if there are bumps rapidly growing as the baby grows, it is more of a conformation to this condition. It can also happen that the person never experiences the flare-up for a long time after birth and suddenly finds himself or herself in this situation. Sometimes, this condition can be misdiagnosed by the doctors as it seems like 3 other bone related disorders. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. Surgery is not a viable option as it can be very painful and there is no guarantee that the bones would develop again. Furthermore, it can be fatal. There are reseaches going on but, there is no cure whatsoever. But, they have
found a medication to bring down the speed of bone growth in the affected person. Another reason why there can’t be a solution for this condition just as yet is bcause of the unpredictable nature of the disorder’s progression.