Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: a case report

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva or myositis ossificans is a rare disease characterised by bony deposits or the ossification of soft tissues. It transforms skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and aponeuroses into heterotopic bony deposits through an endochondral process. This leads to progressive immobility; patients are usually wheelchair-bound by the second decade of life and die of thoracic insufficiency by the fourth decade of life. There is no treatment apart from symptomatic treatment with steroids during flare-ups. Excision of heterotopic ossification is not recommended as it can provoke extensive and painful new growths. It is important to detect the disease early from characteristic signs of great toe abnormalities and heterotopic ossifications to improve quality of life through early physiotherapy.