What is Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP)?

FOP !!! What is it?

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is a rar autosomal dominant disorder with complete penetrance involving progressive ossification (where muscle tissue and connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments are gradually turned into bone) of  skeletal muscle, fascia, tendons and ligaments.

Any trauma to the muscles of an individual with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP), such as a fall or invasive medical procedures, may trigger episodes of muscle swelling and inflammation (myositis) followed by more rapid ossification in the injured area. Flare-ups may also be caused by viral illnesses such as influenza.

The Nomenclature

FOP or Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva ~ fibro-dis-play-sha os-sih-fih-cans pro-gress-ev-a ~ means “Soft connective tissue that progressively turns into bone”