Heterotopic ossification – a long-term consequence of prolonged immobility

Heterotopic ossification is a condition affecting an appreciable minority of critical care patients; it can have long-lasting effects on recovery and return to functional status. Ectopic bone forms in soft tissues near the large joints, causing pain, swelling, limitation of movement and ultimate disability. X-ray changes may be delayed for several weeks after the diagnosis is clinically suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging may be more sensitive for detecting early changes, yielding positive results several weeks before X-rays. However it is not clear that diagnosing the process early will influence long-term patient outcome, because no effective treatments are available.