Fibrous dysplasia of bones is a relatively rare tumor-like pathology in which a section of unchanged bone tissue is replaced by connective tissue elements. Although this form of bone dysplasia is not considered a true tumor, its degeneration into a benign oncological formation and, in rare cases, malignancy is possible. Treatment of fibrous dysplasia of bones in Israel is carried out by orthopedic surgeons who enjoy a well-deserved reputation among foreign colleagues, using modern methods of surgical removal of the affected fragment of bone and subsequent prosthetics. If comprehensive therapy is conducted in a timely manner, a favorable prognosis is characteristic for this disease.
The establishment of an accurate diagnosis is often complicated by the fact that clinical signs are poorly expressed in the early stages and largely resemble the symptoms of other disorders. In Israeli clinics, a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment is adopted, which, combined with modern high-precision equipment, allows for examinations and treatment to be conducted literally within a few days. For medical tourists, the most convincing confirmation of the effectiveness of the therapy provided and the comfort of its passage are the reviews left by patients. Another factor contributing to the immense popularity of Israel is the reasonable cost of services.
Treatment Methods for the Pathology
Fibrous dysplasia, or McCune-Albright syndrome, usually manifests in pediatric patients and is very rarely first diagnosed in elderly patients. The pathology was first described about a hundred years ago, and over the years, numerous studies have been conducted that have not provided specialists with information to determine the exact causes of its occurrence. Today, it is believed that hereditary predisposition plays a major role in the abnormal development of the tissue that gives rise to bone during the intrauterine period.
There is a monostotic form of dysplasia, in which only one bone is affected, painful symptoms debut in patients of any age, and there are no areas of skin pigmentation or endocrine disorders. The polyostotic form developing in children manifests as the involvement of multiple bones, accompanied by endocrine disorders and melanosis (the appearance of dark spots on the skin).
According to another classification, intraosseous, tumorous, fibrous-cartilaginous, and some other forms of fibrous dysplasia are distinguished. In some cases, total bone involvement is noted.
Characteristic signs of the disease include the appearance of intense pain, pathological fractures, and progressively worsening bone deformities. If the pathological focus is localized in the long bones of the legs, they become curved, shortened, and acquire a pathological shape. The patient also complains of limping. The occurrence of a fibrous dysplasia site in the spine is accompanied by the development of scoliosis or kyphosis and postural disorders.
In many patients, the pathology, especially in the early stages, proceeds without clinical symptoms, so Israeli clinics strive not to prescribe specific treatment without extreme necessity. In the absence of signs of disease progression, the patient is monitored by the attending physician, and he must visit for a preventive examination and undergo prescribed examinations at least once every six months.
The only effective method of treatment is the surgical removal of the pathological focus, for which progressive gentle methods of surgical intervention are used.
Surgical Treatment
Most often, segmental resection is used to eliminate the affected area of bone tissue, performed within the boundaries of normal tissues. This operation disrupts the continuity of the bone, which is subsequently restored using bone grafting procedures. The endoprosthesis procedure involves the installation of endoprostheses that are individually manufactured for each patient. The joint surface can also be replaced with an autograft. Pathological fractures require the application of an Ilizarov apparatus to the patient.
Medication Therapy
If multiple areas of involvement are identified during the examination, the patient is prescribed medications that prevent the deficiency of bone tissue density, which is one of the main causes of pathological fractures and its deformation. The prescribed agents help strengthen bone tissue and prevent bone atrophy. Additionally, the patient is prescribed vitamin D and calcium-containing medications. To alleviate severe pain syndrome, analgesics and other pain relief medications are indicated.
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Modern Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
The diagnosis of this disease, especially its monostotic form, is complicated. Conducting a patient examination, consultations with an oncologist, therapist, and phthisiatrist are necessary both for establishing a diagnosis and for determining the need for treatment or the possibility of replacing it with observation. In Israeli clinics, the stage of diagnosis and selection of the most effective therapy methods takes about three days.
At the initial consultation with the orthopedic surgeon, which the patient must attend upon admission to the medical center, the doctor performs a superficial examination, studies the results of previous examinations, talks with the patient, collecting a detailed family history, clarifying the nature and duration of the symptoms manifesting. At the final stage of the consultation, the orthopedic traumatologist compiles a list of required examinations.
The next day, the patient undergoes the types of diagnostic examinations indicated in the list of appointments:
- imaging studies (X-ray, CT, and MRI of the affected bone) — designed to detect pathology at the earliest stages of development, establishing its characteristics;
- bone scintigraphy;
- densitometry — a radiological research method that allows determining the mineral density of bone tissue, conducted to exclude the presence of multiple pathological foci;
- biopsy with subsequent morphological analysis is performed to establish the form of the pathology and to clarify the exact cause of the disorders, in case there are insufficient indicators for diagnosis after conducting imaging studies.
The results are submitted for review by a medical board, which includes an orthopedic surgeon and narrow-profile specialists. After analyzing the indicators, the doctors collectively establish a diagnosis and develop a therapy scheme.
How Much Does Treatment of the Disease Cost
The cost of the therapeutic course invariably interests foreign patients. Treatment in Israel costs medical tourists about 30% less than in Western Europe, and allows for savings of about 50% compared to expenses in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- International level of specialist training.
- Modern material and technical base of clinics
- Performing surgical interventions using progressive methods.
- Comfortable conditions for undergoing treatment.
- Loyal prices.
Conducting therapy at the early stages of the disease allows most patients to forget about the illness and quickly restore lost functions. Do not hesitate, contact the Israeli clinic and undergo a full course of treatment and rehabilitation.