Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification of the Hip after Brain Injury. Function Recovery Preserving Hip Joint: A Case Report

Neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) occurs after a traumatic neurological lesion, where soft tissues differentiate into bone. Patients develop restriction in joint range of motion (ROM), besides various grade of neurological sequelae. A 39-year-old male, after a car accident and coma, developed NHOs in both hips, limiting mobility. After 'functional resection' surgery and rehabilitation, the patient regained the ability to walk, drive, and perform daily activities. Early surgical resection represents the best treatment choice, reducing the rate of intra-articular complications which rises over time, without increasing recurrence risk.

• 1
  Functional resection of NHOs surrounding hip joints, combined with rehabilitation, can restore significant hip function and patient independence after traumatic brain injury.
• 2
  The patient was able to walk independently, to put on his socks, to drive a car, and bike after the surgery and rehabilitation.
• 3
  At the final follow-up of 24 months, no recurrence of NHO was observed radiologically.