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Myositis Ossificans, Sports Medicine

Shawn Skarpnes, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A localized, nonneoplastic, heterotopic ossification that develops in muscle from physical trauma

  • Anterior muscle groups of the thigh and arm are most frequently affected but may occu...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Muscle contusion or strain becomes unresponsive to conservative therapy within the first 2 wk.

  • Symptoms intensify 2 to 3 wk after trauma.

  • Injured muscle becomes indurated and range of m...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are universally recommended in the acute phase 2[A],3,4[B].

  • Perform nonpainful passive stretching and strengthening 2[A],4[B].

  • MO is often...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • 90% of athletes return to light physical activity within 3 mo and full sport activity within 6 mo 4[C].

  • Average duration of symptoms related to MO is 1.1 yr, but complete resorpti...

REFERENCES

1
Koh ES, McNally EG. Ultrasound of skeletal muscle injury. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol  2007;11(2):162.
2
King JB. Post-traumatic ectopic calcification in the muscles of athletes: a revie...

ADDITIONAL READING

Sferopoulos NK, Kotakidou R, Petropoulos AS. Myositis ossificans in children: a review. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol.  2017;27(4):491–502. 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • MO can occur in the absence of trauma and may mimic other benign or malignant pathology during its early stage.

  • Ultrasound is the most sensitive modality in early detection of MO.

  • Reduce...

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