Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in a Nigerian: a case report

A case offibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva in a 3-year and 10-month-old Igala boy is presented. It was characterized by progressive ossification of connective tissue and muscles of the neck and chest. Characteristic digital anomalies particularly microdactyly of the hallux and pollex, hallux valgus, and clinodactyly were also noted. The 2nd to 5th metacarpals had epiphyses at both the proximal and distal ends instead of only at the proximal ends. Although the patient presented in the first year of life, the diagnosis was not made until in his fourth year of life. Early diagnosis of the disease is important in order to avoid all forms of trauma that may worsen the prognosis.