Periarticular heterotopic ossification in head-injured adults. Incidence and location
Garland, D.E.; Blum, C.E.; Waters, R.L.
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume 62(7): 1143-1146
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9355 PMID: 6776126 Document Number: 158330
The records of 496 adult patients who sustained severe head injuries were reviewed retrospectively to reveal the incidence and location of heterotopic ossification. All traumatized joints were excluded from the study. Clinically significant heterotopic bone causing pain and a decrease in the range of motion of the adjacent joint was identified in 100 joints in 57 patients (11%). All 57 patients had some residual spasticity, although the spasticity was not always present about the involved joint. Twenty-seven patients had monoarticular involvement while 30 patients had involvement of more than 1 joint. Hips [44], 27 shoulders, 26 elbows and 3 knees had heterotopic ossification. Complete ankylosis (16% of all joints) developed in 8 elbows, 6 hips and 2 shoulders.