Neurogenic Paraosteoarthropathy Following Severe Head Injury

Clinical Image

Standard radiograph and CT scan (Figure 1) of the pelvis of a 40-year-old man with disabling bilateral hip stiffness making ambulation impossible. The patient had suffered a severe cerebral trauma one year earlier, resulting in a 45-day stay in the intensive care unit. These images revealed heterotopic periarticular ossifications with bone bridges between the greater trochanter and the acetabulum. Neurogenic para-osteoarthropathy remains a significant and disabling complication occurring in 5-20% of severe head injuries. The pathophysiology involves complex interactions between neural and inflammatory pathways, leading to ectopic bone formation [1]. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes. This article aims to contribute to the relatively limited literature on this condition.

    

    

    Figure 1: Imaging of neurogenic paraosteoarthropathy of the hip.