Treatment of post-traumatic myositis ossificans of the anterior thigh with extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

OBJECTIVE This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of a novel approach to the treatment of post-traumatic myositis ossificans with extracorporeal shockwave therapy in an elite athlete. CLINICAL FEATURES A 20 year-old male semi-professional rugby player presented with progressive pain and loss of range of motion after sustaining a severe, right quadriceps contusion nine weeks earlier. The differential diagnosis of myositis ossificans was suspected and confirmed on radiographic examination. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME A two week treatment protocol was undertaken consisting of three sessions of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and an unsupervised exercise program consisting of active and passive range of motion, gradual strengthening and balance exercises. The patient experienced appreciable improvements in pain and range of motion in two weeks and was able to participate in sport specific activity four weeks after presentation. SUMMARY This case illustrates the successful conservative management of post-traumatic myositis ossificans of the anterior thigh with extracorporeal shockwave therapy and a primarily unsupervised graded exercise program within a condensed treatment time frame of 2 weeks.