The value of serum creatine kinase in early diagnosis of heterotopic ossification.
BACKGROUND
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) characterized by formation of ectopic bone. Early diagnosis is critical, but available diagnostic methods have drawbacks. Serum creatine kinase may be a marker for the development and severity of HO.


METHODS
18 SCI patients with diagnosed HO based on clinical findings and bone scintigraphy.


METHODS
Serum creatine kinase levels were taken at the time of diagnosis of HO and during subsequent etidronate therapy.


RESULTS
Of the 14 patients with normal creatine kinase values, 13 had no evidence of HO on follow-up radiographic examination. Of the 4 patients with elevated creatine kinase, all developed radiographic signs of HO.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated serum creatine kinase may be associated with a more aggressive course of HO as well as resistance to etidronate therapy. Further studies are needed to determine whether creatine kinase may serve as a marker for early, active HO.
University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. asherman@med.miami.edu
Andrew L
AL
Sherman
Joan
J
Williams
Lornette
L
Patrick
Kresimir
K
Banovac
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000209:etiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000201:enzymology
D015415:Biomarkers; D003402:Creatine Kinase