title: Ossification in the rectus sheath following free rectus flap.
abstract: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a rare complication of laparotomy wounds. In this report, we describe an unusual presentation of ossification within the closed sheath following the harvest of a free rectus flap for lower limb reconstruction. Of specific interest to this case is that access to the rectus was gained through a lower transverse approach. Furthermore, the extremities of this incision were utilised for harvest of cancellous bone from the iliac crests. Given that one explanation for HO is intraoperative seeding it is of note that no problem was encountered in the wound intimately associated with the bony disruption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Morriston, Swansea, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Warr
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Fitton
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Dickson
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Murison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000209:etiology*; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000009:adverse effects