Neurogenic heterotopic ossifi cation – case study

Abstract

The authors presented the case of a 30-year-old man in whom sudden cardiac arrest occurred as a result of high voltage electric shock. Starting from the 2nd week after the accident, rehabilitation was carried out in hospital conditions, designed to maintain range of motion in the joints, and from the 6th week, intensive rehabilitation was performed at the patient’s home. Despite the implemented treatment, total mobility restriction was observed in the hip joints, and based on spatial projection radiography and a CT, the patient was diagnosed with massive neurogenic heterotopic ossifi cation (NHO). Two surgeries were performed to remove the NHO: fi rst, from the left area (15th month after the accident), and then the right hip joint (18th month following the accident). After the intervention there was a signifi cant increase in mobility of both hips and a decrease in pain, which resulted in signifi cantly improved functional capabilities of the patient. In addition, prophylaxis to prevent the recurrence of NHO was implemented in order to maintain both passive and active range of motion, and the use of physical therapy treatments in the form of deep oscillation were performed. The results of the CT conducted in the 41st month following the accident revealed lesser NHO than the originally diagnosed. Rolka Ł., Browiński D., Kwiatek-Rolka K., Sielska M., Sielski G., Nyka W.M. Neurogenic heterotopic ossification – case study. Med Rehabil 2016; 20(4): 22-27. DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0009.5482

Keywords

• neurogenic heterotopic ossifi cation
• physical therapy
• electric shock
• prophylaxis