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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
10:08
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
Fractured heterotopic bone in a midline abdominal wound
Valerie M Leis1, Alvin M Cotlar
1Department of Surgery, Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi 39534, USA. valerie.leis@keesler.af.mil
Current Surgery
|February 20, 2004
Summary
Heterotopic bone formation can occur in abdominal surgical scars, often remaining asymptomatic. Surgical removal is only recommended if the bony mass causes symptoms.
Area of Science:
- General Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Heterotopic bone formation (HBF) is abnormal bone growth in soft tissues.
- While commonly seen after trauma or joint surgery, HBF can also manifest in abdominal surgical scars.
Observation:
- A case of HBF in an upper midline incision following Nissen fundoplication is presented.
- The heterotopic bone fractured, becoming symptomatic, and symptoms resolved after surgical excision.
Findings:
- Reports of HBF in abdominal wounds are rare, with an unclear etiology.
- This is the first reported instance of fractured heterotopic bone within an abdominal scar.
- Symptoms are infrequent and activity-related.
Implications:
- Consider HBF in patients with a palpable mass in an abdominal surgical scar.
- Surgical intervention for HBF in abdominal scars is typically reserved for symptomatic cases.
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