Bones provide strength to the body as well as give it shape. Whereas muscles work to protect and support the bones. Imagine what would happen if the muscles themselves start becoming hard like bones? A similar case came to light from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, where a 9-year-old child was found to be suffering from a rare genetic disease, Stone Man Syndrome. You will be surprised to know that one in 20 lakh people suffers from this disease. Doctors of Jodhpur AIIMS Hospital are also surprised about this disease. Know what are the symptoms of Stone Man Syndrome and what are the chances of curing the disease.

What is Stone Man Syndrome?

Stone man syndrome is a rare genetic disease called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). In this disease, soft tissues of the body like muscles start converting abnormally into bones. The body gradually starts becoming hard like a stone. This is called “ossification” in medical language. This disease occurs due to changes in the ACVR1 gene. Due to the disease, the movement of the body gradually starts decreasing.

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What are the symptoms of stone man syndrome?

• Swelling and pain along body joints
• jammed joints
• feeling of stiffness in the neck, back and shoulders
• new bone formation in the body
• Abnormal shape of toe from birth

What is the treatment for stone man syndrome?

Till now, doctors do not have any cure for this disease. In case of problem, doctors only give medicines to the patient to control the symptoms and reduce the pain. If the affected person prevents the injury, the symptoms can be prevented from progressing. Such a person should not undergo any surgery without doctor's advice and should also not take medicine.

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