Body
Heterotopic ossification [HO] is the growth of a knot-like piece of bone in the soft tissues near joints. It typically occurs below the level of your spinal cord injury. Bone is formed most commonly around the hips and knees, in the space between muscles. The cause of HO is not known. Up to half of people with SCI will develop at least some HO. It can be seen on an x-ray 4–10 weeks after the injury. The growth stops on its own after 8–30 months, leaving behind a chunk of bone. It’s just like any other bone in your body, except that it serves no particular function, and it can cause problems in joint movement.
For more information on this topic, please see
Published by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, ‘Yes, You Can!,’ is designed for both the newly injured patient, and their family members.
