Post-traumatic heterotopic ossification of the crus. A case study.

The formation of mature lamellar bone at an ectopic site in the body is called heterotopic ossification. We report the case of a 28 year-old patient with heterotopic ossification (HO) in the left crus. He complained of difficulties with walking and limited ROM of the ankle joint. At surgery, an incision was made through the center of the HO focus, which was palpable. No change in ROM of the ankle joint was observed following HO removal. The decision was made to lengthen the Achilles tendon. After the lengthening of the Achilles tendon, the ROM of the ankle joint was increased. Lengthening of the Achilles tendon following the removal of posttraumatic HO in the crus is a safe and effective procedure; if the ROM of the ankle joint is restricted.