Background:
Myositis ossificans is an uncommon complication of
trauma and surgery, defined as ossifying changes in a non-osseous tissue such as muscles. It happens after tissue injury, with or without fractures. When
myositis ossificans occurs around a joint, it can cause
ankylosis, leading to complete dysfunction of the joint. Though it has been described in most parts of the body, bridging
myositis ossificans involving the elbow joint were scarcely reported. Case Presentation: We report a severe case of
myositis ossificans after a supracondylar
humerus fracture in a 9-year-old child. In this case a palpable painless mass appeared following the fracture and surgical
trauma. Ultrasound or X-ray is of significant diagnostic value. The brachialis was completely ossified and formed a bony bridge around the elbow, causing complete
ankylosis. The bone mass was surgically removed through a bilateral less-invasive approach with less surgical
trauma 9 months after initial presentation. we applied
bone wax to the fresh bone
wounds to prevent the formation of
hematocele.
Indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug, was administered after the operation to suppress bone proliferation in our case. Our patient had the best possible functional status and no recurrence at 2 years' follow-up. Conclusion: Elbow
myositis ossificans in children may mainly affects the brachialis. A bilateral less-invasive approach is sufficient to remove the bone mass with less surgical
trauma. This case also provides a new reference for the treatment of
myositis ossificans after the
elbow injuries.