San Diego, CA, USA: Photos of a Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, or FOP patient with severe bone formation. It is caused by a genetic mutation of the bodyÃs repair mechanism that is supposed to stop skeletal growth after the body is fully formed. But instead, this protein never turns off. ItÃs forever poised to send out signals telling the body to create more bone. The trigger for FOPÃs errant bone formation is physical trauma to the bodyÃanything from a bump, bruise or even dental work or an immunization shot. This damage should prompt the body to make repairs to itself, but FOP causes the body to make new and unneeded bone. Surgical procedures to remove this bone result in even more new growth since surgery itself causes intense physical trauma.
(Photo Credit: © Dr. Frank Kaplan)