Heterotopic Ossification: Why Are Some People with TBI More Susceptible?

A brief summary of current research.

Potential Risk Factors for Developing Heterotopic Ossification in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Van Kampen, PJ, Martina, JD, Vos, PE, Hoedemaekers, CWE, & Hendricks, HT. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 26(5), pp 384-391.

Researchers discovered that certain people are at higher risk of developing heterotopic ossification (HO) after a brain injury, where bone tissue forms outside the bone skeleton and causes pain. Factors such as length of time in a coma, being on a ventilator, having bone fractures, and/or symptoms of autonomic dysregulation (for example, spikes in blood pressure) should be considered red flags for possible development of HO.

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