[Periarticular ossification following severe brain injury]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurotraumatology

Background:

• Functional joint restrictions following severe head trauma may indicate ossification beyond primary neurological causes.
• Periarticular new bone formation is a recognized complication.

Observation:

• This case study details new bone formation affecting both hip joints in a patient with traumatic apallic syndrome.
• The patient presented with significant functional limitations in hip joint movement.

Findings:

• Heterotopic ossification (HO) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of joint dysfunction post-head injury.
• Successful functional restitution of hip joints was achieved through precise surgical indication and atraumatic technique.

Implications:

• Early consideration of HO can guide appropriate diagnostic and treatment pathways.
• Careful surgical management of HO can prevent recurrence and restore joint mobility, improving patient outcomes.