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Case Reports
. 2022 Apr 18;2022(4):rjac086.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjac086. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Rapidly developed heterotopic ossification: a rare complication after trauma

Jae H T Lee  1 , Janaka Balasooriya  1 , Thembekile Ncube  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Rapidly developed heterotopic ossification: a rare complication after trauma

Jae H T Lee et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a condition where aberrant bone grows in tissues. This case study presents a rare complication of trauma and laparotomies, where the rapid and extensive occurrence of HO has delayed abdominal incision closure resulting in multiple surgeries and prolonged recovery. A 44-year-old man was retrieved after a truck accident resulting in multi-organ injuries. He required damage control trauma laparotomy followed by several relooks and multiple orthopaedic procedures. Despite several attempts, approximation of the laparostomy wound was not possible due to abdominal rigidity. Computed tomography scans done 20 days after injury demonstrated advanced HO over the wound edge. Early development of HO may explain why the abdominal incision was difficult to close and highlights the importance of being aware of HO as an early complication after trauma and midline laparotomy.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
HO demonstrated on computed tomography (CT) imaging and X-ray after traumatic Injuries. (A) Coronal image of HO and (B) Sagittal image of HO on CT abdomen and pelvis demonstrating sites of HO (red arrows). (C) X-ray of right forearm between ulna and radius showing HO (red arrows).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Split thickness skin graft for abdominal incision closure.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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