International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics
Volume 65, Issue 5 , Pages 1289-1299, 1 August 2006

Heterotopic ossification: Pathophysiology, clinical features, and the role of radiotherapy for prophylaxis

  • Tracy A. Balboni, M.D., M.P.H.

      Affiliations

    • Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
    • ,
  • Reuben Gobezie, M.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
    • ,
  • Harvey J. Mamon, M.D., Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests to: Harvey J. Mamon, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115. Tel: (617) 732-6310; Fax: (617) 264-5242

Received 7 February 2006; received in revised form 20 March 2006; accepted 21 March 2006.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a benign condition of abnormal formation of bone in soft tissue. HO is frequently asymptomatic, though when it is more severe it typically manifests as decreased range of motion at a nearby joint. HO has been recognized to occur in three distinct contexts—trauma, neurologic injury, and genetic abnormalities. The etiology of HO is incompletely understood. A posited theory is that HO results from the presence of osteoprogenitor cells pathologically induced by an imbalance in local or systemic factors. Individuals at high risk for HO development frequently undergo prophylaxis to prevent HO formation. The two most commonly employed modalities for prophylaxis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and radiation therapy. This review discusses HO pathophysiology, clinical features, and the role of radiotherapy for prophylaxis.

Keywords:  Heterotopic ossification , Heterotopic bone , Radiation therapy , Prophylaxis

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PII: S0360-3016(06)00679-1

doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.03.053

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics
Volume 65, Issue 5 , Pages 1289-1299, 1 August 2006

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