Myositis Ossificans
Myositis Ossificans Causes
Although the specific cause of myositis ossificans is, as yet, unknown, it most commonly develops within an area of the muscle that has sustained severe bruising, often from direct contact. In such cases, the area is crushed between the underlying bone and the intervening object (in sports injuries, examples are helmets, another person's knees or elbows, or even a wayward ball). The patients become predisposed to the condition through an abrupt resumption of normal activities following an injury.
Myositis Ossificans Definition
Myositis ossificans is a nonhereditary type of a syndrome marked by heterotopic ossification or calcification of the muscles. In myositis ossificans, extra-skeletal bone develops at the area of the injured muscle, typically in the arms or in the quadriceps of the thighs.
Myositis Ossificans Diagnosis
In rare cases, myositis ossificans may be asymptomatic. In such scenarios, the condition may be diagnosed through radiographs obtained for unrelated problems. Prior to making a definitive diagnosis, it's imperative for physicians to consider osteogenic carcoma. It's important to distinguish between these two pathologies. Simple radiograph tests will provide some insight.
Myositis Ossificans Symptoms and Signs
Patients suffering from myositis ossificans usually complain of tenderness, pain, focal swelling, and joint muscle reduction as a consequence of a painful muscle contusion which healed very slowly, if at all. A large percentage (approximately 80%) of ossifications develops in the thigh or arm. Other areas which may become affected are the erector spinae, intercostals spaces, glutei, pectoralis muscles, and the chest. The condition may also present as a feeling of ?fullness? deep within the injured extremity. A visible discoloration or bruising of the skin is also common. Patients also suffer from restricted activity due to the stiffness of their joints. Depending on the injured area, patients may experience loss of motion of the thigh (knee) or arm (elbow).
Myositis Ossificans Treatment
Treatment strategies for myositis ossificans must initially be conservative, because patients' ossifications will at times be spontaneously reabsorbed, whereas others will demonstrate little if any symptoms. Initial management may consist of applying ice and bandages to relieve the initial swelling. Stretching of the affected joints, sustaining muscle control of the injured area, and modifying activity to help restore function are also ideal. Although these basic remedies can be done at home, it is strongly recommended that the patients consult a physical therapist during recovery. For thigh contusions, crutches may be necessary. Neoprene or other bandage materials may also reduce some symptoms. In addition, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications is essential in avoiding hematoma (clot). In rare cases, surgical intervention may become a necessity, with the abnormal tissue requiring debridement. Access to this treatment, however, is currently limited.