A biophysical study of posttraumatic ectopic ossification. A case report

Sites of ectopic ossification (EO) due to sports injury in a long-distance runner were biopsied and analyzed. The mineral content was compared to that of normal adult bone and to paraosteoarthropathy (POA) using biophysical methods. The degree of mineralization of bone tissue (DMBT) was employed as an evaluation of maturity of calcified tissue. Fluoride and carbonate content were determined. The crystal lattice dimensions expressed by the a and c parameters, crystal size, and/or lattice perfection were obtained with x-ray diffraction. All values were near those found in nonpathologic, newly deposited human compact bone. DMBT, crystal size, and/or lattice perfection were near those observed in a 24- to 30-month-old POA. The data suggest that posttraumatic EO represents otherwise normal young bone.