Heterotopic Ossification of the Finger Following Closed Blunt Trauma

A right hand dominant young ethnic Indian male developed heterotopic ossification (HO) of his right index finger after a contusion due to a fall. There were no open wounds clinically and no fractures noted on plain radiographs. Stiffness of the proximal interphalangeal joint and generalised swelling of the digit was present about three weeks after the injury. Radiographic investigations of the digit demonstrated soft tissue ossification volar to the proximal and middle phalanges. Non-operative management was instituted. This case report demonstrates that heterotopic ossification of digits can occur from closed, blunt trauma in the absence of bony injuries. Current literature on management of digital heterotopic ossification is minimal due to low incidence.