Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Direct Mouse Trauma/Burn Model of Heterotopic Ossification
Published on: August 6, 2015
Heterotopic ossification formation after fractures about the elbow
Elizabeth P Wahl1, Peter M Casey2, Thomas Risoli3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, 4709 Creekstone Drive, Suite 200, Durham, NC, 27703, USA. elizabeth.wahl@duke.edu.
Introduction:
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-known sequela after an elbow injury and is widely studied given the associated morbidity. The anatomic location of HO development for specific elbow injuries has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to describe the precise, anatomic location of HO development after different peri-articular elbow injuries.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with peri-articular elbow fracture and/or dislocation who underwent an elbow contracture release. The injuries were grouped into coronal shear distal humerus/AO 13.B3 (CSDH), distal humerus/AO 13.A, 13.B1, B2 or 13.C (DH), olecranon/AO 21.B1 (OL), radial head/AO 21.B2 (RH), extra-articular proximal radius and ulna/AO 21.A (EAPRU) fractures and elbow dislocations (DL). The HO location was determined by reviewing elbow radiographs and CT scans and were classified as anterior capsule, medial or lateral collateral ligaments, and posterior capsule/triceps insertion.
Results:
The study consisted of 49 patients, such as 6 CSDH, 13 DH, 6 OL, 21 RH, 4 EAPRU fractures and 20 elbow DL. All CSDH and RH fractures and 19/20 elbow DL developed HO in the collateral ligaments, while 12/13 DH fractures developed an anterior capsule HO. All 6 OL fractures developed HO posteriorly, and 3/4 EAPRU fractures developed a proximal radioulnar synostosis.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that the location of HO development is specific to the injury type and is influenced by the soft tissues involved. This is consistent with the understanding that HO is the abnormal ossification of normal structures.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into ...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...

