Neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hands in a patient with spinal cord injury: a case report

Study design: The study was designed as a case report. Objective: The objective of this study was to report an unusual case of bilateral neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hands in a patient with spinal cord injury. Setting: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department in Sale, Morocco. Methods: A 47-year-old male patient with C5 quadriparesis was admitted in our department for rehabilitation. He had severe spasticity, characterized by extensors predominance in the upper extremities, and an aspect of pudgy fingers at the proximal phalanges in both hands. Results: A plain radiograph of hands demonstrated ossification parallel to the proximal phalanx of the third and fourth digits on the right and of the second and third digits on the left. Serum alkaline phosphatase rate was increased. The diagnosis of heterotopic ossification of hands was retained. Conclusion: Neurogenic heterotopic ossification of hands can occur in quadriplegic patients. Finger extensors spasticity might help toward its development. Spinal Cord ( 2011) 49, 1079-1081; doi:10.1038/sc.2010.191; published online 8 February 2011