Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is a rare, autosomal dominant disease characterized by mild congenital skeletal malformations of the toes and fingers and by soft tissue swellings which disappear, leaving ectopic calcification in the connective tissue of muscles and ligaments. A 5-year-old boy with the disease is presented. Early diagnosis is important and the condition is suggested when congenital hallux valgus is found in a newborn. Early diagnosis prevents unnecesary invasive diagnostic procedures, and avoids surgical treatment which accelerates ectopic calcification and subsequent damage.