myositis ossificans

What is Myositis Ossificans?

Myositis ossificans is a condition where bone tissue forms inside muscle or other soft tissue after an injury [5]. This occurs when the body's natural repair process goes awry, leading to the formation of abnormal bone growth within the affected area [7].

Causes and Characteristics

The condition typically develops in young people who have experienced trauma to their muscles or soft tissues [5]. Myositis ossificans is essentially metaplasia of the intramuscular connective tissue resulting in extraosseous bone formation (without inflammation) [2]. It can occur in various types of sports and activities, where muscle injuries are common.

Types and Progression

There are different types of myositis ossificans, including a rare, inherited disorder characterized by fibrosis and ossification of muscles, tendons, and ligaments at birth [6]. The condition can progress over time, with the bone growth becoming more pronounced and potentially causing discomfort or pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Myositis ossificans is diagnosed through imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs [4]. While there is no specific treatment for myositis ossificans, symptoms can be managed through physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention to remove the abnormal bone growth.

References

• [1] Myositis Ossificans occurs when bone tissue forms in your soft tissues or muscles. Often, people develop myositis ossificans after an injury.
• [2] Myositis ossificans is essentially metaplasia of the intramuscular connective tissue resulting in extraosseous bone formation (without inflammation).
• [3] Myositis ossificans is a condition stemming from an injury that can occur in many types of sports. In this condition, bone tissue forms within a muscle.
• [4] Oct 27, 2021 — Myositis Ossificans is a reactive soft tissue bone-forming process that commonly occurs following a traumatic event to soft tissues. · Diagnosis ...
• [5] Jan 25, 2018 — Myositis ossificans is a condition where bone tissue forms inside muscle or other soft tissue after an injury.
• [6] May 25, 2024 — myositis ossificans progressiva: a rare, inherited disorder characterized by fibrosis and ossification of muscles, tendons and ligaments at ...
• [7] by LCAS Kushwaha · 2012 — Myositis ossificans is essentially a proliferative mesenchymal response to an initiating injury to the soft tissue, not necessarily to the muscle, which leads ...
• [8] Myositis Ossificans. Myositis ossificans is an aberrant reparative process that represents the formation of benign heterotopic ossification in skeletal muscle.
• [9] by TY Chuah · 2011 · Cited by 7 — Myositis ossificans is a benign condition characterized by abnormal heterotopic bone formation, typically involving the striated muscle and soft tissue. It can ...

Myositis ossificans, a condition characterized by the formation of bone tissue within muscle, presents with several distinct signs and symptoms.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• A large lump beneath the skin is the most common sign of myositis ossificans, affecting around 4 in 5 people [1].
• Swelling, erythema (redness), heat, pain, and hardening of the affected muscle are other notable findings [2].
• The injury site may swell and feel warm or hot to the touch, with a lump forming in the muscle [3].
• Pain and tenderness can be severe, but will typically subside as the condition progresses [4].

Additional Symptoms:

• Changes in the affected muscle, such as warmth, may also occur [5].
• Localized tenderness, swelling, and muscle weakness are clinical symptoms suggesting myositis ossificans [6].
• A painful soft tissue mass, usually without signs of inflammation, can be palpated [7].

Causes:

• Myositis ossificans is generally thought to be caused by returning to normal activity too soon after suffering a severe bruising injury to a muscle [8].

It's essential to note that the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on individual cases. If you suspect you may have myositis ossificans, consult with a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 5 [4] Context result 5 [5] Context result 4 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8

Myositis ossificans can be diagnosed through various tests, including:

• Imaging methods: These are used to visualize the bone formation in soft tissues or muscles. According to [2], imaging methods such as radiographs (X-rays) and MRI scans can help diagnose myositis ossificans.
• Blood test: A blood test that checks for autoantibodies related to myositis diseases can be helpful in diagnosing myositis ossificans, especially in cases where the condition is part of a larger disease process [3].
• Biopsy: While biopsies are not always necessary, they may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. However, diagnostic problems may arise if the biopsy is small and taken only from the central area in the early proliferative phase [7].
• X-rays: X-rays can be used to monitor the progression of calcium formation in myositis ossificans [8]. They are often used in combination with other imaging methods to confirm the diagnosis.
• Physical examination and history: A physical exam and medical history can also play a role in diagnosing myositis ossificans, particularly in identifying symptoms such as muscle pain or swelling [9].

It's worth noting that the diagnostic process for myositis ossificans often involves a combination of these tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Myositis ossificans, a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth within muscle tissue, can be treated with various medications to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

According to the available information, indomethacin is one of the current treatment recommendations for myositis ossificans [2]. This medication helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with the condition. Additionally, etidronate, a bisphosphonate, may be prescribed to prevent further bone growth and promote resolution of the lesion [2].

In some cases, surgical resection may be indicated for lesions that persist despite conservative treatment [3]. However, this approach is typically reserved for more severe or refractory cases.

It's also worth noting that naproxen or ibuprofen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help relieve discomfort and pain associated with myositis ossificans [5].

While these medications can be effective in managing symptoms, it's essential to note that early treatment with a combination of mobilizations, gentle ROM exercises, indomethacin, etidronate, and surgical resection may provide the best outcomes for patients with this condition [2].

Myositis ossificans, a condition characterized by the formation of bone tissue in soft tissues or muscles, has several differential diagnoses that need to be considered for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Extraskeletal osteosarcoma: This is a type of cancer that can mimic the appearance of myositis ossificans on imaging studies. It's essential to rule out extraskeletal osteosarcoma, especially in cases where there's no history of trauma or when lesions are not typical for myositis ossificans [8][9].
• Deep veinous thrombosis (DVT), Septic Arthritis, Haematoma, or Fracture: These conditions can also present with similar symptoms and imaging findings as myositis ossificans. A thorough medical history and physical examination are crucial to differentiate these conditions [6].
• Malignant tumors such as Parosteal osteosarcoma, Synovial sarcoma, and Malignant fibrous histiocytoma: These rare types of cancer can be mistaken for myositis ossificans on imaging studies. A detailed radiological evaluation and histopathological examination are necessary to rule out these malignancies [5].

Other Considerations:

• Fibrodysplasia (myositis) ossificans progressiva: This is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to the formation of bone tissue in soft tissues, similar to myositis ossificans. However, it's essential to note that fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva has a distinct clinical presentation and family history [2].
• Heterotopic ossification: This is a condition where bone tissue forms outside the skeleton, which can be mistaken for myositis ossificans on imaging studies. A thorough medical history and physical examination are necessary to differentiate these conditions [6].

Importance of Accurate Diagnosis:

Accurate diagnosis of myositis ossificans is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. A detailed radiological evaluation, histopathological examination, and thorough medical history are essential to rule out differential diagnoses and ensure proper management of the condition.

References:

[1] May 25, 2024 — The typical radiographic appearance of myositis ossificans is circumferential calcification with a lucent center and a radiolucent cleft (string sign) [1]. [2] The differential diagnosis of myositis ossificans includes other extraskeletal bone-forming lesions such as fibrodysplasia (myositis) ossificans progressiva and heterotopic ossification [2]. [3] Differential diagnosis of myositis ossificans. Given a history of prior trauma, typical MRI and plain film findings, and in particular when lesions are in the soft tissues [3]. [4] Myositis ossificans occurs when bone tissue forms in your soft tissues or muscles. Often, people develop myositis ossificans after an injury [4]. [5] by E Łuczyńska · 2014 · Cited by 38 — Differential diagnosis of malignant tumors and Myositis ossificans. Myositis ossificans, Parosteal osteosarcoma, Synovial sarcoma, Malignant fibrous histiocytoma [5]. [6] [8][9] Other differential diagnoses include deep veinous thrombosis (DVT), Septic Arthritis, Haematoma, or Fracture. DVT and heterotopic ossification have been reported to mimic myositis ossificans on imaging studies [6]. [7] by A Lacout · 2012 · Cited by 103 — In this article, we examine the performance of various imaging methods for the early diagnosis of myositis ossificans (MO) and optimal patient management. MO is a condition characterized by the formation of bone tissue in soft tissues [7]. [8] The most important differential diagnosis for myositis ossificans is extraskeletal osteosarcoma. In contrast to myositis ossificans, extraskeletal osteosarcoma has a more aggressive clinical course and requires prompt treatment [8]. [9] Oct 27, 2021 — Diagnosis is made with radiographs showing peripheral bone formation with central lucent area within soft tissues. Treatment is usually conservative, but in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary [9]. [10] by L Cortellazzo Wiel · 2020 · Cited by 16 — A lacking history of traumas, along with a too early radiological and histological evaluation can lead to a misdiagnosis of soft tissue lesions, including myositis ossificans [10].