Myositis ossificans of the masticatory muscle monitored over three generations: A case report and review of the literature

Myositis ossificans (MO) is a rare disease and its major feature is the formation of heterotropic bone involving muscle or any other type of soft tissue (tendons, ligament, fascia and connective tissue). In the present study, a case report of a patient diagnosed with MO is presented. The diagnosis was established by evaluation of the medical history of the patient and the patient's family, as well as clinical data, radiology and post-operative pathology. The patient underwent excision surgery of the calcified lesion. In addition, genomic DNA was examined from blood samples of the patient and the patient's father with their consent. A mutation in the non-coding region was detected but any direct causative effect remains elusive. The present case report provided significant information with regard to the incidence of MO in four members of the same family assessed over three generations. The disease exhibited a unique localization in the maxillofacial region.