[Neurologic paraosteoarthropathy of the hand. Apropos of 2 cases]

The frequency of heterotopic ossification in neurological conditions averages 20-25% with variations according to the type of neurological disease and presence or absence of coma. The most common sites are the hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Involvement of the hands is an exceedingly rare event of which two instances are reported herein. In both patients evidence of inflammation developed four months after a deep, prolonged coma. Swanneck deformity of the fingers occurred in one case. Juxta-articular ossifications were seen on roentgenograms two months after the onset of symptoms. Both patients had heterotopic ossifications around the shoulders. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum alkaline levels were elevated. Local injections effectively relieved pain in one patient.