Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Fibrous Dysplasia

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Fibrous Dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is an uncommon bone disorder in which scar-like (fibrous) tissue develops in place of normal bone.

Insight:

• This irregular tissue can weaken the affected bone and cause it to deform or fracture.
• In most cases, fibrous dysplasia occurs at a single site in 1 bone but can occur at multiple sites in multiple bones.
• People who have more than 1 affected bone typically develop symptoms before 10 years of age.
• Although fibrous dysplasia is a genetic disorder, it's caused by a gene mutation that's not passed from parent to child.
• Symptoms include bone pain, swelling, bone deformity, bone fractures, and pain in the bones in general.
• Causes: Fibrous dysplasia is linked to a gene mutation present in certain cells that produce bone.
• Diagnosis may include imaging tests, bone scan, and biopsy.
• Treatment may include osteoporosis medications, pain medications, and surgery to correct the deformity.

Sources:

• Fibrous dysplasia - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• fibrous dysplasia - Google Search