title: A case of myositis ossificans in the upper cervical spine of a young child.
abstract: METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We present a case of myositis ossificans (MO) of the upper cervical spine in a young child. The literature is reviewed with the classification, etiology, and treatment of MO discussed.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Calcification of joint capsule, muscle, cartilage, and ligaments is a well-known phenomenon and is known as myositis ossificans. It is very rarely seen in the head and neck, with no reports of MO of the soft tissues surrounding the first 2 cervical vertebrae.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 8-year-old boy presented with severe neck pain after a fall. He had had a similar neck injury 4 years before, but made a full recovery. Radiographs showed a large ossified lesion between the posterior elements of C1 and C2. After further imaging, a diagnosis of MO was made.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The child was treated with simple analgesia and observation. With no evidence of neurologic compromise and minimal symptoms, there was no indication for surgical intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although rare, MO should be suspected as one of the possible causes of persistent pain following cervical spine injury in children. We would advise a low threshold for cervical spine imaging in the child presenting with persistent neck pain and stiffness, even years after injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Mayday University Hospital, Surrey, United Kingdom. findlayiain@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Iain
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Findlay
authors.forename: Prabhat Reddy
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Lakkireddi
authors.forename: Ravinder
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gangone
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marsh
mesh_terms: D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009221:Myositis Ossificans / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography