Neglected Elbow Injury With Severe Flexion Deformity With Myositis Ossificans

TL;DR

A 45-year-old woman developed myositis ossificans in her elbow after an injury, requiring surgery to remove the abnormal bone growth.

Contribution

This case report highlights the management of myositis ossificans traumatica with surgical excision and arthrolysis.

Findings

Imaging confirmed a bony mass in the posterior elbow and triceps injury.

Surgical excision and arthrolysis were performed successfully.

Avoiding massaging the area post-surgery prevented further bone formation.

Abstract

Myositis ossificans is a rare entity of extra-skeletal bone formation in various soft tissues and muscles, often triggered by trauma or injury. We report a case of myositis ossificans traumatica in a 45-year-old female who presented with pain and a fixed flexion deformity of the elbow. Imaging studies, including X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revealed a bony mass in the posterior aspect of the right elbow and presence of triceps injury. The patient underwent surgical excision with arthrolysis. To prevent further heterotopic bone formation, excessive massaging or rubbing of the affected area was avoided. The postoperative period was uneventful.

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