[Periarticular heterotopic ossification secondary to central neurogenic dysfunction]

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Nuclear medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• A 48-year-old woman with tetraparesis post-right lobectomy developed periarticular ossification affecting both knees.
• Periarticular ossification, particularly involving the knee, is uncommon following cerebral dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a rare case of knee involvement in periarticular ossification.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and imaging modalities for differentiating heterotopic ossification from osteoarthritis.

Main Methods:

• Bone scintigraphy was utilized to assess the metabolic activity of bone lesions in the knee joints.
• Review of diagnostic imaging methods for periarticular ossification and differential scintigraphic diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Scintigraphy revealed significant involvement of medial and lateral left knee and medial right knee compartments.
• Findings were initially misattributed to degenerative osteoarthritis, underscoring potential diagnostic pitfalls.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the rarity of knee periarticular ossification secondary to cerebral dysfunction.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on careful interpretation of imaging, distinguishing heterotopic ossification from osteoarthritis.