Progressive osseous heteroplasia is a topic that has captured the attention of people around the world. From its discovery to its impact on society, this topic has been the subject of debate and discussion. Over the years, Progressive osseous heteroplasia has evolved and influenced different aspects of everyday life. In this article, we will explore its importance and relevance today, as well as its possible implications for the future. Without a doubt, Progressive osseous heteroplasia continues to be a topic of interest to academics, professionals and the general public, and it is essential to understand its scope and effects.
Rare genetic condition characterised by cutaneous or subcutaneous ossification
Progressive osseous heteroplasia is a cutaneous condition characterized by cutaneous or subcutaneous ossification.[1]
According to the Progressive Osseous Heteroplasia Association:
Progressive Osseous Heteroplasia (POH) is a rare genetic condition in which the body makes extra bone in locations where bone should not form. Extra bone develops inside skin, subcutaneous tissue (fat tissue beneath the skin), muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This ”out of place extra bone formation” is commonly referred to as heterotopic ossification. In people with POH, nodules and lace-like webs of extra bone extend from the skin into the subcutaneous fat and deep connective tissues, and may cross joints. Extra bone formation near the joints may lead to stiffness, locking, and permanent immobility.”[2]
Patients with POH have a distinctly different manifestation of symptoms than those with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), though heterotopic ossification appears in both diseases. They lack the congenital abnormality of the big toe that is a diagnostic feature for FOP. People with POH also have ossification of the skin during infancy, which does not occur in FOP. Also, the pattern of ossification differs in POH, spreading in an intramembranous fashion rather than endochondral.[6]
^Kaplan, F. S.; Craver, R.; MacEwen, G. D.; Gannon, F. H.; Finkel, G.; Hahn, G.; Tabas, J.; Gardner, R. J.; Zasloff, M. A. (1994). "Progressive osseous heteroplasia: a distinct developmental disorder of heterotopic ossification. Two new case reports and follow-up of three previously reported cases". Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 76 (3): 425–436. doi:10.2106/00004623-199403000-00013. PMID8126048.