Fibrous dysplasia of bones is a relatively rare tumour-like pathology characterized by the replacement of an area of unchanged bone tissue with connective tissue elements. Although this form of bone dysplasia is not considered a true tumour, 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. With timely and comprehensive therapy, this disease has a favorable prognosis.
The 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 undergoing it 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. It is currently believed that hereditary predisposition plays a major role in the abnormal development of the tissue that gives rise to bone during the intrauterine period.
The monostotic form of dysplasia is characterized by the involvement of only one bone, with painful symptoms debuting in patients of any age, without areas of skin pigmentation and endocrine disorders. The polyostotic form developing in children manifests as the involvement of several 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 tubular 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 focus 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, who must visit for a preventive examination and undergo prescribed examinations at least once every six months.
The only effective treatment method is the surgical removal of the pathological focus, for which progressive gentle surgical intervention methods 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 through bone plastic surgery. 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 placement of an Ilizarov apparatus for the patient.
Medication Therapy
If multiple affected areas 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 medications help strengthen bone tissue and prevent bone atrophy. In addition, the patient is prescribed vitamin D and calcium-containing preparations. To eliminate severe pain syndrome, analgesics and other pain relief medications are indicated.
Modern Methods of Diagnosing 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 diagnostic stage and selection of the most effective therapy methods take about three days.
During the initial consultation with the orthopedic surgeon, which the patient must attend after arriving at the medical center, the doctor performs a superficial examination, studies the results of previous examinations, talks with the patient, collecting detailed family history, clarifying the nature and duration of the symptoms. 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 listed in the appointments:
- imaging studies (X-ray, CT, and MRI of the affected bone) — designed to detect pathology at the earliest stages of development, establishing its features;
- bone scintigraphy;
- densitometry — a radiological method of investigation 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, as well as to clarify the exact cause of the disorders in cases where there are insufficient indicators for diagnosis after imaging studies.
The results are submitted for review by a medical council, 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 in the early stages of the disease allows most patients to forget about the illness and quickly restore lost functions. Do not hesitate, contact an Israeli clinic and undergo a full course of treatment and rehabilitation.