What is heterotopic ossification?
The term "heterotopic ossification" refers to the growth of bone material in the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, tendons and fascia. The severity of the condition varies; Some patients have only small nodes of excess bones that can be recorded on X -rays, but others suffer from severe and debilitating pain. This condition is not fully understood and the most effective treatment of the condition is aggressive surgery, although some doctors have been successful with radiation. Originally, heterotopic ossification was grouped under the title "Myositis osifificans" along with a range of similar conditions. This term is no longer widely used with reference to heterotopic ossification, because the problem is not limited to muscles. The related condition, ossification fibromyopathy, is usually limited to fibrous body tissue and periarticular ossification can be found in the area around the joints.
Causes
Research has proposed that heterotopic ossification may be associated with the injury of the spinal cord together with neurological conditions. Mixed signals in the body seemsThey stimulate normally sleeping osteoprogenitor cells, causing to grow bones. When these cells are in soft tissues of the body, it results in heterotopic ossification. The condition often occurs in the form of periarticular ossification, especially around the site of the hip injury.
When heterotopic ossification is caused by trauma or injury, it is known as heterotopic ossification of Traumatica and the case without the known cause is called atraumatica. It is also known that the formation of heterotopic bones will strike amputes, especially those who have experienced violent or traumatic amputations. For amputated, the condition may cause vacant problems, as surgeons may need to amputate part of the residual limb to treat the condition, making the amputation even more serious.
Treatment
Although it is not inherently painful, heterotopic ossification can be painful. Heavy cases may reduce the patient's movement or causeinner bruises and injuries. Usually, anti -inflammatory and painkillers will be prescribed to reduce the swelling of the soft tissues and relieve the pain that is associated with the condition. If it is clear that the condition is spreading, the patient may have surgery to remove the offensive bone material in the hope of removing dishonest osteoprogenitor cells. In some cases, the surgeon could replace the entire joint if the new bone formation surrounds or damages the joint too much.