Myositis ossificans

Myositis ossificans refers to the abnormal ossification of the collagenous supporting tissues of tendons, ligaments, aponeuroses and skeletal muscle, with an unclear cause. It is divided into two types, traumatic myositis ossificans and progressive myositis ossificans, of which traumatic myositis ossificans is the most common. Some cases show autosomal dominant inheritance. It is common in children or young adults, with traumatic myositis ossificans of the elbow joint being the most frequent. Skeletal muscles throughout the body can be involved. Strenuous exercise or trauma can cause muscle rupture, bleeding and hematoma formation; in most patients the hematoma is absorbed, but it may also secondarily lead to muscle stiffness and ossification, eventually causing stiffness and deformity of the joints corresponding to the affected muscles.

Common Symptoms

Cervicodorsal muscle spasm; swelling and hardening of neck muscles

Causes

This disease is caused by the progressive deposition of bony tissue in muscle and connective tissue, resulting in muscle hardening and deformity of the toes and thumbs, with an unclear cause; some cases show autosomal dominant inheritance. Some scholars have reported four factors contributing to ossification: contusion, often accounting for 60%~70%, can lead to hematoma; this injury may be very mild, with only a small amount of skeletal muscle or muscle fibers damaged. The injured tissue cells secrete a signaling protein. There are mesenchymal cells with defective gene expression which, upon receiving appropriate signals, can generate osteoid or chondroid cells. There is an environment in which ossifying tissue continuously forms; among these, the signaling gene is the most critical, and Urist named this gene BMP.

Treatment

Supportive treatment, rehabilitation therapy, linear accelerator therapy

Prevention

This disease is a complication of severe trauma, and its occurrence and development can be prevented through effort. Patients with joint dislocation or severe trauma should be promptly referred to an orthopedist; blind manipulation and massage should not be performed, as they may cause secondary injury. Joint dislocation should be reduced in time; if there is a large hematoma, it should be promptly aspirated and then pressure bandaged. Joint trauma should be immobilized early with a plaster splint fixed in a functional position; if there is swelling, a combination of Chinese and Western medicine should be used to rapidly resolve the swelling. For patients with paraplegia due to spinal cord injury, if a large hematoma of unknown cause is found in the lower limbs, it should be promptly aspirated and pressure bandaged; these are all effective methods for preventing secondary myositis ossificans after severe trauma.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the orthopedic surgery department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.