Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Signs and symptoms

Specifically, ossification is typically first seen in the dorsal, axial, cranial, and proximal regions of the body. Later, the disease progresses in the ventral, appendicular, caudal, and distal regions. However, it does not necessarily occur in this order due to injury-caused flare-ups. Often, the tumor-like lumps that characterize a flare-up of the disease appear suddenly.


Signs and symptoms

With proper medical management the median age of survival is 40 years. However, delayed diagnosis, trauma, and infections can decrease life expectancy.


Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (; abbr. FOP), also called Münchmeyer disease or formerly myositis ossificans progressiva, is an extremely rare connective tissue disease. Fibrous connective tissue such as muscle, tendons, and ligaments ossify into bone tissue. The condition ultimately immobilises sufferers as new bone replaces musculature and fuses with the existing skeleton. This has earned FOP the nickname "stone man disease".

WikTok | Your Personalised Encyclopedia

Train your feed. Demystify any topic with AI. Read with friends.

Follow what fascinates you, crack open any topic with AI, save favourites, share great finds, and level up as you go.

Swipe left and right to improve your feed!