Fibrous Dysplasia Essay

Amongst the twelve major organ systems of the human body, the skeletal system, consisting of two hundred and six bones, works to provide support, protection, and movement. Many can argue that the skeletal system is the most important system due to it’s complex framework of long bones, short bones, flat bones, etc… but sometimes, the skeletal system may not be able to perform to its fullest potential. A simple bone disorder can cause a large amount of chaos externally, as well as internally. Fibrous dysplasia, for instance, can weaken bones and eventually cause a fracture.

Fibrous dysplasia is an “uncommon bone disorder in which scar-like (fibrous) tissue develops in place of normal bone.” (Mayo Clinic Staff) Although it is unknown when fibrous dysplasia truly originated, the disorder was named because fibrous means “consisting of fibers” and dysplasia means “the enlargement of an organ or tissue by the proliferation of cells of an abnormal type.”

Fibrous Dysplasia is a “genetic, non-inheritable disorder,” …show more content…
Despite the normal growth, the disorder “can be treated with a class of drugs called bisphosphonates, which prevent bone loss and can reduce pain.” (The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) Another option could be “osteoporosis medications, particularly pamidronate.” (Mayo Clinic Staff) These medications “may help strengthen bones affected by fibrous dysplasia” and “can relieve pain and help reduce the risk of fractures.” (Mayo Clinic Staff) Surgery would be the best treatment for fibrous dysplasia, as it could “correct a deformity” or “fix a fracture” (Mayo Clinic Staff) “Intralesional curettage” is a type of surgery which “involves scraping out the bone to completely remove the tumor and filling the space with material such as methyl methacrylate cement.” (The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) Although fibrous dysplasia may require surgery, the outcome is mostly