Heterotopic Ossification of the Calvarium Following Bilateral Craniectomies in Traumatic Brain Injury.
BACKGROUND
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is defined as ectopic bone formation following traumatic brain injury. Patients typically develop lesions in the hips, knees, and elbows that cause pain, restricted range of motion, nerve impingement, and pressure ulcers.


METHODS
We report an unusual presentation of HO in an 18-year-old male who was involved in a motor vehicle accident and subsequently developed malignant intracranial pressure. His HO developed following bilateral craniectomies in which 2 different dural substitutes were used. Radiographic timing of ectopic bone formation and its continued growth varied.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe a case of HO in the cranium, a condition that is underreported in the literature. Of significance, despite sustaining multiple traumatic fractures that were managed conservatively, our patient failed to demonstrate any evidence of ectopic axial HO following his incident.
Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
Rafael A
RA
Vega
Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
Leslie
L
Hutchins
Brain injuries; decompressive craniectomy; dura mater; intracranial hypertension; ossification–heterotopic