Myositis Ossificans

Cases of circumscribed myositis ossificans have been reported with increasing frequency during the last few years. It is probable that the condition is more common than even the large number of reported cases would indicate, for when ossification is not extensive and not in such a position that the motion of a joint is limited or a definite disability occurs, a physician is not consulted. The circumscribed form of myositis ossificans is of special interest to the surgeon because of its association with dislocations and fractures; because of the difficulties sometimes encountered in making a differential diagnosis, and because of the relation of periosteal stripping and displacement to heterologous bone formation. Three forms of circumscribed myositis are recognized: The traumatic: (a) Occupational myositis ossifications due as a rule to repeated injuries. (b) Myositis ossificans due to repeated injuries not sustained in pursuit of an occupation. (c) Myositis ossificans due to