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Fractured heterotopic bone in myositis ossificans traumatica
1Parker College of Chiropractic, Department of Radiology, Dallas, Tex 75229-5668, USA.
Objective:
To discuss the case of a patient with an acute fracture occurring through preexisting, quiescent, posttraumatic heterotopic bone formation of the gastrocnemius muscle. The lesion demonstrated a previously unreported pattern of healing. This case serves to demonstrate an infrequent event with a rare and heretofore unreported sequella.
Clinical Features:
A 54-year-old man with preexisting, mature heterotopic bone within the left gastrocnemius muscle experienced reinjury to the site. The preexisting heterotopic bone was a result of a sporting injury that had occurred 32 years previously. At the time of the new injury, the patient experienced immediate, severe pain. Radiographs demonstrated a nondisplaced oblique fracture through the preexisting heterotopic bone.
Intervention And Outcome:
The patient was treated with protective wrapping and physiotherapy modalities. Because only the heterotopic bone was involved, the leg was not placed in a cast. Follow-up radiographs obtained 14 weeks later showed callus formation about the fractured site and evidence of union.
Conclusion:
Fractures occurring through mature heterotopic bone formations, such as those seen in myositis ossificans traumatica, are infrequent; callus formation with union of the fractured fragments is an even rarer occurrence.