Heterotopic ossification in a patient with cervical spinal cord injury and ankylosing spondylitis: The consequences of the late diagnosis

Abstract

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are at an 11-fold greater risk of vertebral fracture, with higher mortality and morbidity rates than the general spinal cord injury (SCI) population. We present the case of a patient with established AS who suffered from a cervical SCI. Following admission to a specialist spinal injury rehabilitation unit, he was diagnosed with severe established heterotopic ossification (HO) and spasticity. The key considerations required to manage a case of significant disability in the rehabilitation setting are outlined. The need for earlier diagnosis of HO to prevent progression and associated complications is discussed.

Keywords

• ankylosing spondylitis
• disability
• heterotopic ossification
• spinal cord injury