Fibrous dysplasia is a rare bone disorder that occurs when abnormal scar-like fibrous tissue develops where there should be normal bone. This condition can affect different bones of the body, including the face and skull. This fibrous tissue causes the bone to grow abnormally and can lead to fractures, facial deformities and, in rare cases, even blindness.
The abnormal bone may shift the facial features causing the face, eyes or jaw to appear uneven. The craniofacial team at Hasbro Children’s specializes in the care of children with fibrous dysplasia affecting the head and neck areas (craniofacial fibrous dysplasia).
Fibrous dysplasia is often first identified in young children and teenagers. This disorder typically involves only one area of the body. However, multiple sites of fibrous dysplasia can sometimes be seen. In these situations, the child most likely has a genetic condition called McCune-Albright syndrome. In such situations, it would be important for these children to be evaluated by a genetic specialist.
Fibrous dysplasia is an uncommon bone disorder in which scar-like (fibrous) tissue develops instead of normal bone. This can weaken the affected bone and cause it to deform or fracture.
Pictured here is patient affected by fibrous dysplasia.
This genetic disorder develops early in pregnancy and is not inherited from parents. Patients with fibrous dysplasia will not pass it on to their children.
Patients may be referred to other specialists, including geneticist, endocrinologist, or orthopedics, for additional testing and evaluation.
Imaging studies, include X-rays, bone scans and computed tomography (CT) scans. These can be used to construct 3D images of the abnormal bone growth and then used for surgical planning and intervention.
There is no cure for fibrous dysplasia. Your child may be offered surgery based on the location of the abnormal bone growth to relieve pain, improve facial appearance, prevent fractures or to remove large fibrous growths that are pressing on adjacent structures and causing additional problems. Your surgeon will discuss the best way to remove or debulk (reduce a portion of the abnormal bone) while minimizing visible scarring. Surgery may be performed by a team of specialists that include plastic surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology (ENT), and ophthalmology. If the abnormal bone involves the jaw and malocclusion, an abnormal alignment of the jaw, occurs, surgery may be combined with orthodontics, also known as braces, to reposition the abnormally placed bones.
The abnormal bone may continue to grow, and some patients will need more than one surgery. The fibrous dysplasia will be monitored through imaging, so that the craniofacial team can monitor your child’s development. You may also need to follow-up with an endocrinologist.
Learn more about fibrous dysplasia from the National Organization for Rare Disorders
