Diagnosis and Treatment of Fibrous Dysplasia of the Bone
The diagnosis of fibrous dysplasia of the bone is done with X-ray. There is no cure for the condition.
Diagnosis:
X-ray of a patient with fibrous dysplasia may show an abnormal area of bone that has a ground glass appearance, or a deformity or expansion of the bone.
An MRI and CT scan can help determine the site of weakness of the bone.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment of fibrous dysplasia of the bone includes -
- Observation- Mild cases of fibrous dysplasia usually do not require any treatment if they are not progressing. The affected areas may be observed with periodic x-rays. Braces may be used to prevent fracture.
- Medications- Bisphosphonate drugs such as alendronate (Fosamax) or pamidronate (Aredia) that are used for treating osteoporosis have helped some people with fibrous dysplasia. Bisphosphonates decrease the activity of cells that dissolve bone.
Surgical treatment of fibrous dysplasia of the bone - Surgical treatment is often necessary in the following conditions:
- Symptomatic lesions have not responded to nonsurgical treatment
- Fracture
- Progressive deformity
- Presence of cancer
Surgery involves removing the bone lesion (curettage) and replacing it with bone grafted from another part of the body or from bone tissue donated from a deceased donor. Insertion of metal plates, rods or screws can be useful to fix a fracture or deformity or to prevent bone breakage.
