HETEROTOPIC BONE-FORMATION - CLINICAL, LABORATORY, AND IMAGING CORRELATION

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (2) , 125-132
Abstract
The clinical findings, laboratory data, radiographs, and radionuclide studies of 50 patients referred for evaluation of possible heterotopic bone formation (HBF) were reviewed. HBF begins .apprx. 17 days following injury or neurologic insult, heralded by an acute rise in serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP), and increased vacularity on 3-phase radionuclide bone imaging (RNBI). RNBI soft-tissue uptake is evident at 24 days and radiographic calcification is visible 1 wk later. Clinical signs and symptoms occur relatively late in the course of disease. HBF mimics thromobphlebitis and should be considered in all patients referred for venography if the clinical situation is appropriate. Serial SAP measurements and 3-phase RNBI should allow early definitive diagnosis in virtually all cases.

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