Molecular Mechanisms of Heterotopic Ossification

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of heterotopic ossification.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a debilitating condition in which cartilage and bone forms in soft tissues such as muscle, tendon, and ligament causing immobility. This process is induced by inflammation associated with traumatic injury. In an extremely rare genetic disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progessiva (FOP), a combination of inflammation associated with minor soft tissue injur...

Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic ossification is a complicated and significant medical problem characterized by abnormal growth of bone in soft tissues. It occurs most commonly around a joint following surgery or trauma and is one of only a few benign conditions commonly treated with radiation therapy. In its severe form, the condition causes pain, loss of function, and restricted range of motion in the affected jo...

Progression of Heterotopic Ossification around the Elbow after Trauma

 Background: This study addresses the null hypothesis that there is no expansion of heterotopic ossification (HO) in the elbow beyond what can be seen early on.   Methods: The area of HO was measured on lateral radiographs of 38 consecutive patients that had operative treatment of HO between 2000 and 2013. Measurements from radiographs obtained between 3 to 7 weeks were compared to measurements...

Treatment of Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic ossification is defined as bone formation in nonosseous tissues. Heterotopic ossification usually occurs in trauma such as fractures and surgical procedures. Heterotopic ossification of the hip, for example, is the most common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). It can occur in as many as 53% of THA patients, and it causes postoperative disability from pain and limited ran...