Heterotopic Ossification(HO)Pronounced: Het-toro-toe-pik Oss-if-a-kay-shun
by
Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN DefinitionHeterotopic ossification (HO) is the growth of bone in places where it’s not supposed to be. It can happen anywhere in the body. The hip, knees, shoulders, and elbows are the most common places. Growths can be small or large. Causes TOPThe cause of HO is unknown. There may be a genetic link. HO can also happen because of trauma. Risk Factors TOPYour chances of HO are higher if you have: Symptoms TOPSymptoms depend on how serious HO is. It also depends on where there is bone growth. HO may cause:
Diagnosis TOPThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You may also have:
You may be referred to a specialist.
Treatment TOPThe level of care needed depends on how serious HO is. Care may involve: Physical TherapyTherapy is an important part of your care plan. Range of motion exercises will help to move around better. It can also keep the HO from getting worse. This may include stretching and strength training. MedicationsYour doctor may advise:
Radiation Therapy TOPRadiation therapy may help prevent abnormal bone growth, mainly after hip surgery. Surgery TOPSurgery may be used to remove the abnormal bone. This will help improve range of motion. Radiation therapy and medicines are mainly used after surgery to prevent recurrence. Prevention TOPThere’s no way to prevent HO because the cause isn’t known. If you’re at high risk for HO, talk to your doctor. RESOURCES:Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons https://www.orthoinfo.org United Spinal Association https://www.unitedspinal.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://coa-aco.orgaco.org When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation https://whenithurtstomove.org References:Back DL, Smith JD, Dalziel RE, Young DA, Shimmin A. Incidence of heterotopic ossification after hip resurfacing.
ANZ J Surg. 2007;77(8):642-647. Heterotopic ossification. Craig Hospital website. Available at: https://craighospital.org/resources/heterotopic-ossification. Updated January 2015. Accessed June 21, 2018. Pape HC, Marsh S, Morley JR, Krettek C, Giannoudis PV. Current concepts in the development of heterotopic ossification.
J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2004;86(6):783-787. Spinal cord injury—InfoSheet #12. Spinal Cord Injury Information Network website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed June 21, 2018. Zychowicz ME. Pathophysiology of heterotopic ossification. Orthop Nurs. 2013;32(3):173-177. Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcie L. Sidman, MD Last Updated: 6/21/2018 | |
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