Definition

Noun A rare, non-inherited bone disorder characterized by fibrous dysplasia of bone affecting multiple bones. This condition involves normal bone being replaced with fibrous (scar-like) tissue, leading to bone weakness, deformity, and an increased risk of fractures. It is often associated with skin pigmentation and endocrine abnormalities.

Usage Notes

• Medical Term: "Albright's disease" is a specific medical term used primarily in clinical and academic contexts. It is named after the physician Fuller Albright.
• Formal Context: It is used in formal writing, diagnosis, and discussions among healthcare professionals. In general conversation, a descriptive phrase like "a rare bone disorder" is more common.
• Capitalization: The term is often capitalized ("Albright's disease") because it is an eponym (named after a person).

Examples

• The pediatric endocrinologist diagnosed the child with Albright's disease after reviewing the bone scans and skin findings.
• Albright's disease can present with café-au-lait spots and precocious puberty in addition to bone lesions.
• Management of Albright's disease focuses on treating fractures and correcting bone deformities.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used more broadly in historical medical texts to describe the triad of symptoms: polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, café-au-lait skin markings, and endocrine dysfunction.

Variants and Related Words

• McCune-Albright syndrome: This is the more precise and modern clinical name for the condition, encompassing the full spectrum of symptoms.
• Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia: This is the descriptive term for the bone aspect of the disease, meaning fibrous dysplasia in multiple bones.

Synonyms

• McCune-Albright syndrome (more specific)
• Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia with endocrine dysfunction (descriptive)

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is the specific bone disease. It does not refer to a general illness or a condition affecting other body systems unless specified as part of the associated syndrome (e.g., endocrine problems).

Noun

1. fibrous dysplasia of bone affecting multiple bones