Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of bone in extra-skeletal tissue. It is a recognised complication of musculo-skeletal trauma, occurring after elective orthopaedic surgery, fractures, joint dislocation and soft-tissue injury. 1 Iorio R. Healy W.L. Heterotopic ossification after hip and knee arthroplasty: risk factors, prevention, and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2002; 10: 409-416 PubMed Google Scholar , 2 King J.B. Post-traumatic ectopic calcification in the muscles of athletes: a review. Br J Sports Med. 1998; 32: 287-290 Crossref PubMed Scopus (63) Google Scholar Spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury, head injury and severe burns are other known precipitating factors. 3 Cipriano C.A. Pill S.G. Keenan M.A. Heterotophic ossification following traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2009; 17: 689-697 Crossref PubMed Scopus (147) Google Scholar , 4 Chen H.C. Yang J.Y. Chuang S.S. Huang C.Y. Yang S.Y. Heterotopic ossification in burns: our experience and literature reviews. Burns. 2009; 35: 857-862 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (72) Google Scholar Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva and progressive osseous heteroplasia are two rare genetic disorders characterised by extensive HO. 5 Shore E.M. Kaplan F.S. Inherited human diseases of heterotrophic bone formation. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2010; 6: 518-527 Crossref PubMed Scopus (183) Google Scholar Following trauma, the process normally begins in the acute phase of injury and is visible on plain radiographs by six months. 6 Sawyer J.R. Myers M.A. Rosier R.N. Puzas J.E. Heterotophic ossification: clinical and cellular aspects. Calcif Tissue Int. 1991; 49: 208-215 Crossref PubMed Scopus (113) Google Scholar Histological analysis of the bone demonstrates high metabolic activity with remodelling and maturation. The cycle is usually complete within one year. We present the case of a 47 year old man, who developed extensive HO in the adductor muscles several years after a skiing accident.
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