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Health library/Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Rare skeletal disorders / RARE CONDITION

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Also known as: FOP, Myositis ossificans, Myositis ossificans progressiva, Progressive myositis ossificans, Progressive ossifying myositis

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva causes bone to form in tissues normally used for movement. Additional bone progressively restricts joints, and procedures or injuries may trigger worsening.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Progressive stiffness
  • Painful tissue swellings
  • Restricted movement
  • Characteristic great-toe differences

Understanding care

Clinical care may include specialist confirmation and careful planning of procedures, mobility support and injury risks. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Seek specialist advice before procedures or evaluation of new swellings. New swallowing or breathing difficulty requires urgent care; a photograph cannot establish a safe procedure or movement plan.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva — First AID health library