Myositis ossificans: A rare location in the foot. Report of a case and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Myositis ossificans is a benign, tumor-like lesion characterized by heterotopic ossification of soft tissue that usually affects the elbow and thigh. At different stages of maturity, it show similar histologic appearances with sarcomatous lesions or maturing bone. Misdiagnosis can result in unnecessary radical treatment. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old woman with dorsal forefoot soft tissue mass was diagnosed as myositis ossificans after surgical excision and confirmed by a histopathological examination. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, myositis ossificans occurrence in the foot is rare and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. SUMMARY: Increasing awareness on the unusual sites for myositis ossificans occurrence is necessary for differentiating this lesion from a malignant soft- tissue tumors and avoiding diagnostic pitfalls and unnecessary investigations, which can have major consequences and complications for patients.