o FOP is an abbreviation for Fibrodysplasia Ossificans
Progressiva. o FOP is an extremely rare and debilitating medical
condition where bone forms in muscles and other soft tissues of
the body. o A variation of FOP called Heterotopic Ossification
(HO) strikes nearly 65% of wounded military personnel and 10% of
orthopedic surgery patients and is triggered by severe injuries.
o During a flare-up (characterized by large swellings), extra
bone can form across the joints, restricting movement. o FOP is
a progressive disease and currently there is no cure. o It has
no ethnic or religious pattern. o It does not affect a person’s
intelligence. o FOP affects approximately 1 in 2 million people
worldwide. o There are approximately 700 confirmed cases across
the globe from a statistical estimate of 2,500. o There are
nearly 300 confirmed cases within the United States of America.