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According to the International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association this progressive disease affects one in two million.
Note: This disease was called Myositis Ossificans Progressiva until the 1970s.
Characterisitcs of FOP
- Malformation of the big toe.
- Formation of bone in muscle and soft tissue.
- Progression from neck and upper region of the body to the lower region.
- Pregression to lower region of the body may result in use of a wheelchair.
- Cognitive skills are not affected.
Onset of FOP
- Symptoms (except for the malformation of the big toe) may not be present at birth.
- The progression of the disease varies from person to person.
Causes of FOP
- This is a genetic disease.
- Researchers believe that a gene mutation on chromosome 4 is responsible.
- Parents of a child with FOP are unlikely to have other children with FOP.
- Parents with FOP have 50% chance of having children with the disease.
- Siblings of individuals with FOP are unlikely to have a child with FOP.
Canine Companions Some individuals with FOP use a specially trained dog for assistance.
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- Click on this link.
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More Information on FOP
The copyright of the article What Is FOP? in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish What Is FOP? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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