Heterotopic Ossifications of the Forearm: A Cause of Post-Traumatic Loss of Pronation-Supination

Clinical Image

Austin J Radiol. 2021; 8(5): 1138.

Heterotopic Ossifications of the Forearm: A Cause of Post-Traumatic Loss of Pronation-Supination

Hajar A*, Khadija L, Jamal EF and Issam E-N

Department of Radiology, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

*Corresponding author: ADIL Hajar, Department of Radiology, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

Received: May 14, 2021; Accepted: June 08, 2021; Published: June 15, 2021

Abbreviations

HO: Heterotopic Ossifications; CT: Computed Tomography; R: Radius; U: Ulnar

Keywords

Heterotopic ossifications; Radioulnar; Forearm; Pronationsupination

Clinical Image

HO is defined by the development of ectopic mature bone within nonosseous tissues. It is a well-described phenomenon that complicates forearm fractures, especially when there is an open fracture, a significant soft tissue injury, and associated neural axis or thermal injury. HO mainly forms near metal hardware and may lead to the formation of radio-ulnar synostosis.

CT is superior to plain radiographs, as it identifies the ectopic bone earlier, defines its exact localization, and helps planning the surgical intervention. Radiologic features are variable; in the early stage, CT shows a low-attenuation mass with indistinct surroundings. As the ossification process progresses, zones of mineralization are visible before leading to the formation of mature cortical bone at the periphery (Figure 1 and 2: arrows). Hastings classification describes 5 classes according to how HO affects the forearm range of motion.

Figure 1: Coronal oblique CT scan image showing mature bone structures in the interosseous space and the radio humeral joint.

    

    
    

    

    Figure 1: Coronal oblique CT scan image showing mature bone structures in
the interosseous space and the radio humeral joint.

Figure 2: 3D CT Volume rendering image demonstrating heterotopic ossifications in the interosseous space.

    

    
    

    

    Figure 2: 3D CT Volume rendering image demonstrating heterotopic ossifications in the interosseous space.

Citation: Hajar A, Khadija L, Jamal EF and Issam E-N. Heterotopic Ossifications of the Forearm: A Cause of Post-Traumatic Loss of Pronation-Supination. Austin J Radiol. 2021; 8(5): 1138.