Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Surgery is not an option for removing the excess bones because surgery often results in more bone formation. And these new bones don't disappear on their own.

The good news is that researchers are investigating FOP and new treatments. For example, a drug is being developed that may help to control bone growth. Medications also are available to help relieve symptoms of FOP, such as pain and inflammation.

Since FOP is a progressive disease, it typically gets worse over time as the patient ages but the rate of new bone formation differs for each person and the disease's progression is generally unpredictable.

Although a person is born with FOP, extra bone may not appear at birth and he or she may go months or years without experiencing a flare-up, which signals the development of new bone.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007