J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1999 Mar;26(2):313-317.

Heterotopic Ossification in Pressure Sore: A Case Report

• Choi YS
• Yoo G
• Wee SS

Abstract

There are many complications related to paralyzed patients. Heterotopic ossification in pressure sore patients is reported to be rarely developed, but once it occurs, it frequently causes joint stiffness which may aggrevate the pressure sore wound. This paper was based on a clinical study of heterotrophic ossification in 6 quadriplegic and paraplegic patients from 1988 to 1997 at St. Paul's Hospital. All were males aged between 22 and 58 years (mean age, 45.5 years). The sites of pressure sore were in the ischial and trochanteric areas. Heterotopic ossification had developed around the hip joint and the ischial area. The mean onset time was 3.6 years (minimum 10 months maximum 8 years) after trauma. Plain X-ray, bone scan CT and pathological examination were helpful in confirming the diagnosis of heterotopic ossification. The mechanism of heterotopic ossification is not exactly known, but chronic trauma or inflammation could be one etiology. There are still many difficulties in management of heterotopic ossification, but prevention is the most important treatment.

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Femur
Hip Joint
Humans
Inflammation
Joints
Male
Ossification, Heterotopic*
Pressure Ulcer*
Wounds and Injuries