Aggressive atraumatic myositis ossificans in a toddler

Abstract

Myositis ossificans (MO) is a benign disorder where bone forms within muscles or other soft tissues. This condition usually follows trauma and is rare in pediatric patients. Here we present the case of a 2-year-old male who developed MO of his right elbow without obvious trauma to the area. Imaging of MO in the initial phase is highly unspecific and obtaining tissue samples through a biopsy can render misleading reports. In most cases MO is a self-limited process with complete resolution, however, some cases may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Keywords

• Myositis ossificans
• Heterotopic ossification
• Atraumatic myositis ossificans