Heterotopic ossification developing in surgical incisions of the abdomen: analysis of its incidence and possible factors associated with its development.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) development in incision scars after abdominal surgery and to search for factors relating with its development.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the postoperative computed tomographic scans of 152 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal incisions, recording the presence of ossification and its characteristics, the type of surgery and incision, and characteristics of the xiphoid process. The change in size upon follow-up was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Heterotopic ossifications were identified in 39 patients (25.7%). They were most commonly located in the linea alba (n = 29 [74.4%]) and associated with upper midline incisions (n = 30 [76.9%]). Twenty-four of the 29 patients who underwent postoperative computed tomography twice at least demonstrated changes in size, with decreases in 21 patients. The HO had completely disappeared in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of HOs in abdominal incisions is a common finding and may be self-limiting. The upper midline incision seems to affect its incidence not uniquely.