Neurogenic heterotopic ossification: A review. Part 1

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification is the formation of bone tissues in the soft tissues of the body. A distinct form of heterotopic ossification is neurogenic, that is, resulting from severe injury to the brain or spinal cord of different genesis. Neurogenic heterotopic ossification is a complex multifactorial process of differentiated bone formation in the paraarticular soft tissues of large joints. Heterotopic ossification leads to the formation of persistent contractures and ankylosis, which cause severe disability and complicate rehabilitation. AIM: To analyze publications dealing with various aspects of neurogenic heterotopic ossification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first part of our review, we present the results of the literature analysis on the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinic and laboratory diagnosis of neurogenic heterotopic ossification. Scientific literature databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Crossref, and eLibrary were searched for without language limitations. RESULTS: Current literature data on heterotopic ossification in patients with central nervous system pathologies are presented. Topical questions of etiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinic and laboratory diagnostics of this pathological process are highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the risk factors of heterotopic ossification development and their prevention in the context of the modern knowledge of heterotopic ossification pathogenesis may help reduce the incidence of heterotopic ossification in patients with severe central nervous system injury.