Is There a Cure for Fibrous Dysplasia?

Fibrous Dysplasia Treatment | Medications, Surgery & Exercise

Fibrous Dysplasia is a rare bone disorder where healthy bones are replaced by scar-like tissue, leading to pain, fractures, and deformities. While there is no permanent cure, the condition can be effectively managed.

Some individuals may have mild or no symptoms, while others may need medical attention. In severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery to remove affected bone and correct deformities. Let us explore the available treatment options for Fibrous Dysplasia.

What are the Treatment Options for Fibrous Dysplasia?

Even though there is no cure for fibrous dysplasia, doctors recommend managing and treating this condition. The primary goal is to preserve and protect your bones and the surrounding tissues. The symptoms of fibrous dysplasia are generally mild, often making them unnoticeable.

However, if left untreated, individuals may experience swollen bones, which can lead to long-term damage. The two main options for alleviating pain and repairing the bones and surrounding tissues are taking the appropriate medications and undergoing surgery.

How does Medications Help in Fibrous Dysplasia?

To assess the severity of your condition, work closely with your healthcare professionals. They may recommend medications to strengthen your bones and alleviate painful bone conditions. Medications such as bisphosphonates or denosumab are used off-label to reduce bone turnover and pain in fibrous dysplasia, though they are not approved specifically for this condition. Medications are generally recommended to reduce pain and slow bone turnover, especially in patients with fracture risks or symptomatic lesions—not primarily to correct deformity, curvature, or swelling.

How Surgery Helps in Fibrous Dysplasia?

Long-term complications may arise from fibrous dysplasia. These complications can include bone deformities and debilitating pain. To reshape the structure of the bone, doctors may recommend surgical intervention for fibrous dysplasia. Additionally, some significant symptoms may lessen the necessity for surgery. These symptoms include:

• Deformed bones or uneven growth of bones
• Loss of hearing and vision due to a deformed facial bone
• Fracture or bending of bones
• Arthritis arising from pelvic bones or a deformed leg

Is Exercise Necessary to Treat Fibrous Dysplasia?

Exercise, typically low-impact and supervised strength training can help support bone health and joint function but avoiding high-impact or heavy weight training is essential to reduce fracture risk. With appropriate exercise, tissues can also develop around bones affected by fibrous dysplasia. Individuals with fibrous dysplasia are at a higher risk of bone fractures.

Thus, developing the beneficial habit of exercising can enable you to take care of yourself and prevent the condition from deteriorating further.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider for Fibrous Dysplasia?

Consulting your healthcare professional is essential when your bone pain persists for an extended period. Furthermore, if you notice that your symptoms are worsening and no treatment seems to be effective, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your provider.

With fibrous dysplasia, your bones become weak and are more prone to fractures. Therefore, if you fall or sustain an injury in a vehicle accident, it is essential to visit the emergency department immediately.

Therefore, it is crucial to seek appropriate treatment if you or any of your close relatives are diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia. This condition typically manifests in childhood or early adolescence. It is benign and generally does not mimic bone cancer, although rare malignant transformation (e.g., to osteosarcoma) may occur in less than 1% of cases. Selecting the right treatment option can significantly reduce bone pain and prevent further damage over time, enabling you to enjoy life to the fullest.