Heterotopic ossification is a condition not well understood that
occurs in acute spinal cord injury and consists of the laying
down of bone outside the normal skeleton, usually occurring at
large joints such as the hips or knees. The primary problem with
Heterotopic ossification, or HO, is the risk for joint
stiffening and fusion. Should the hip or knee become fused in a
certain position, a surgical release is necessary to allow range
of motion to occur. Unfortunately, it takes between 12 and 18
months for Heterotopic bone to mature once it has developed.
Activities that are used to prevent the development of HO
include range of motion programs and other functional activities
that move the joints within a functional range. Currently
treatment is limited with the exception of preventing the joint
fusion (termed ankylosis)
