What is "fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva"

n. A very rare disease of the connective tissue in which fibrous tissue (including muscle, tendon, and ligament) becomes ossified when damaged.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare connective tissue disease. The disease is caused by a mutation of the body's repair mechanism, which causes fibrous tissue (including muscle, tendon, and ligament) to be ossified spontaneously or when damaged. In many cases, injuries can cause joints to become permanently frozen in place. Surgical removal of the extra bone growths has been shown to cause the body to "repair" the affected area with even more bone.