Impact of Heterotopic Ossification on Functional Recovery in Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication after spinal cord injury (SCI) that limits joint movement and daily activities. This study investigates how HO affects recovery in the first year after SCI. The study compared SCI patients with HO to matched patients without HO, assessing their neurological and functional recovery using standardized clinical examinations. The findings show that HO negatively impacts functional recovery, which is crucial for independence in daily living, even if neurological recovery is achieved.

• 1
  Individuals with heterotopic ossification achieved around 40% less functional improvement over time compared to their matched counterparts.
• 2
  Neurological recovery was not altered in individuals with SCI and heterotopic ossification.
• 3
  Ossifications were most frequently located at the hip joints (92%) and mainly occurred within the first 3 months after SCI.