Myositis Ossificans /(Heterotopic Bone Formation)

What is Myositis Ossificans?

If you have a bad muscle strain or contusion (dead leg!) and it is neglected then you could be unlucky enough to get Myositis Ossificans. It is usually as a result of impact which causes damage to the sheath that surrounds a bone (periostium) as well as to the muscle. Bone will grow within the muscle (called calcification) which is painful. The bone will grow 2 to 4 weeks after the injury and be mature bone within 3 to 6 months.

What causes myositis ossificans?

• Not applying cold therapy and compression immediately after the injury.
• Having intensive physiotherapy or massage too soon after the injury. Use someone who is properly qualified and insured.
• Returning too soon to training after exercise.

Symptoms of Myositis Ossificans include:

• Restricted range of movement.
• Pain in the muscle when you use it.
• A hard lump in the muscle.
• An X-ray can show bone growth.

What can be done?

• See a sports injury specialist or doctor as soon as possible who will -
• Advise you to rest or immobilize the limb for 3 to 4 weeks.
• X-ray the muscle to see when it is safe to start rehabilitation.
• Operate in worst cases to remove the bone.