Role of radiotherapy in management of Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Abstract

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare genetic disorder with widespread extra-skeletal bone formation. This disease usually begins with typical ossification pattern in early childhood, causing increasing disability and making patients totally disabled by the age of 30 years. Ectopic ossification can be triggered by any trauma as small as intramuscular injections, with no effective cure. Radiotherapy can be helpful in impeding ossification, although this treatment is not yet supported by strict evidence. Here in, we present a clinically diagnosed case of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva managed with radiotherapy for symptomatic relief. This case indicates that radiotherapy can be useful in these patients.