Is heterotopic ossification getting nervous?: The role of the peripheral nervous system in heterotopic ossification

Heterotopic ossification after central nervous system trauma

Neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) is a disorder of aberrant bone formation affecting one in five patients sustaining a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. Ectopic bone forms around joints in characteristic patterns, causing pain and limiting movement especially around the hip and elbow. Clinical sequelae of neurogenic heterotopic ossification include urinary tract infection, p...

Progression of Heterotopic Ossification around the Elbow after Trauma

 Background: This study addresses the null hypothesis that there is no expansion of heterotopic ossification (HO) in the elbow beyond what can be seen early on.   Methods: The area of HO was measured on lateral radiographs of 38 consecutive patients that had operative treatment of HO between 2000 and 2013. Measurements from radiographs obtained between 3 to 7 weeks were compared to measurements...

Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic Ossification

Heterotopic ossification is a complicated and significant medical problem characterized by abnormal growth of bone in soft tissues. It occurs most commonly around a joint following surgery or trauma and is one of only a few benign conditions commonly treated with radiation therapy. In its severe form, the condition causes pain, loss of function, and restricted range of motion in the affected jo...

Progenitors in Peripheral Nerves Launch Heterotopic Ossification

Studies presented here, using a murine model of bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (BMP2)-induced heterotopic ossification (HO) show that the protein initiates HO by signaling through progenitors in the endoneurium of peripheral nerves. In the mouse, these cells were identified in the endoneurium one day after BMP2 induction using antibody against phosphoSMAD (PS) 1, 5, and 8. Studies conducted ...