Dr. Joseph A. Kitterman, UCSF Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, explores Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a rare genetic disease (incidence 1 in 2 million) and one of the most horrific conditions that affect humans. In FOP, skeletal muscle, tendons, and ligaments undergo endochondral ossification in episodes known as flare-ups that lead to progressive permanent loss of range motion in joints. Most people with FOP are initially given erroneous diagnoses, often leading to inappropriate treatment with permanent complications. Currently, there is no effective treatment, but recent research suggests there will be a clinical trial of treatment in the relatively near future.

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