Short-term outcome after resection of neurogenic heterotopic ossification around the hips and elbow following encephalitis

Jayasundara JA, Punchihewa GL, de Alwis DS, Renuka S
Correspondence: Dr JASB Jayasundara, bingumal@sltnet.lk

ABSTRACT
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a potential complication following brain or spinal cord injuries and diseases. Post-encephalitis HO is rare, and the number of affected joints is a prognostic predictor. A literature review revealed only a limited number of such cases, with one or two anatomical regions affected in each case. We report the case of a 21-year old man who developed HO at the peri-articular regions of both hips and the right elbow post encephalitis. He had good functional outcome following excision of the ossific masses. There has not been any recurrence for up to two years from the first surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case involving more than two anatomical regions, and the first reported case from Sri Lanka.

Keywords: encephalomyelitis, heterotopic ossification
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(5): e97–e100