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Updated: May 19, 2026

Direct Mouse Trauma/Burn Model of Heterotopic Ossification
Published on: August 6, 2015
Heterotopic ossification of the abdominal wall
Niamh M Hogan1, Emer Caffrey, Stephanie Curran
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
Heterotopic ossification, the development of bone in non-bone tissues, is an exceedingly rare complication following abdominal surgery. This case highlights its occurrence in the abdominal wall after tumor resection.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Heterotopic ossification is a rare condition involving bone formation in soft tissues.
- It is an infrequent complication of surgical procedures, particularly abdominal surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of heterotopic ossification in the abdominal wall.
- To discuss the clinical, etiological, and histopathological features of this rare finding.
Main Methods:
- A 73-year-old male patient underwent laparotomy for a splenic flexure tumor.
- Following chemotherapy, the tumor and adjacent structures were resected.
- Histopathology confirmed metaplastic bone deposition in the abdominal wall.
Main Results:
- Metaplastic bone deposition was identified in the abdominal wall.
- This represents an exceedingly rare sequela of abdominal surgery.
Conclusions:
- Heterotopic ossification can occur at various sites, including the abdominal wall.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing heterotopic ossification as a rare post-surgical complication.
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