Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Study describes first proof of principle for treating rare bone disease

(Medical Xpress) -- Scientists at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders have developed a new genetic approach to specifically block the damaged copy of the ...

Genetics created Nov 07, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

When injured muscles mistakenly grow bones

For hundreds of thousands of people, injuring a muscle through an accident like falling off a bike or having surgery can result in a strange and serious complication. Their muscles start growing bones.

Medical research created Jul 20, 2011 | popularity 3 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Researchers discover new bone deformity gene

(Medical Xpress) -- The Human Genetics team at The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute have successfully used a new gene-mapping approach for patients affected by severe skeletal abnormalities.

Genetics created May 04, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast


Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), sometimes referred to as Stone Man Syndrome, is an extremely rare disease of the connective tissue. A mutation of the body's repair mechanism causes fibrous tissue (including muscle, tendon, and ligament) to be ossified when damaged. In many cases, injuries can cause joints to become permanently frozen in place. Surgical removal of the extra bone growths has been shown to cause the body to "repair" the affected area with more bone.

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