Post traumatic myositis ossificans: Sonographic findings

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Imaging
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Post-traumatic myositis ossificans (PTMO) is a benign condition characterized by heterotopic bone formation within muscle tissue.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial to differentiate PTMO from malignant soft tissue tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the sonographic (US) characteristics of post-traumatic myositis ossificans (PTMO).
• To evaluate the utility of US in diagnosing and monitoring PTMO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 patients with histopathologically confirmed PTMO.
• Sonographic evaluation included assessment of mass presence, calcifications, power Doppler signals, and relationship to adjacent structures.

Main Results:

• US identified an oval, hypoechoic mass without infiltrative borders within the muscle belly in both early and mature PTMO.
• Early PTMO showed a hypoechoic center with a hyperechoic peripheral rim.
• Mature PTMO exhibited peripheral calcifications with increased reflections and distal acoustic shadowing.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound demonstrates high sensitivity for PTMO detection.
• US imaging aids in differentiating PTMO from malignant soft tissue neoplasms.
• Sonography is a valuable tool for the follow-up management of PTMO lesions.