Skip to Content

Fibrous dysplasia

Definition

Fibrous dysplasia is a bone disease that destroys and replaces normal bone with fibrous bone tissue. One or more bones can be affected.

Alternative Names

Inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia; Idiopathic fibrous hyperplasia

Causes

Fibrous dysplasia occurs in childhood, usually between ages 3 - 15. The condition does not run in families (not hereditary), and the cause is unknown.

Symptoms

  • Bone pain
  • Bone sores (lesions)
  • Difficulty walking
  • Endocrine gland problems
  • Fractures or bone deformities (rare)
  • Unusual skin color (pigmentation)

The bone lesions may stop when the child reaches puberty.

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical examination. X-rays of bones are taken.

Treatment

There is no cure for fibrous dysplasia. Bone fractures or deformities are treated as appropriate. The patient is screened for endocrine disorders as needed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms that occur.

Possible Complications

  • Cushing's disease
  • Gigantism or acromegaly
  • Heart rhythm disturbance
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Rickets

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of this condition, such as repeated bone fractures and unexplained bone deformity.

Specialists in orthopedics, endocrinology, and genetics may be involved in your child's diagnosis and care.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent fibrous dysplasia. Treatment aims to prevent complications, such as recurrent bone fractures, to help make the condition less severe.

References

Heck RS Jr. Benign bone tumors and nonneoplastic conditions simulating bone tumors. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 20.

Review Date: 11/2/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request