PhysicalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-6258


Genetic Heterotopic Ossification Clinical Presentation

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA

January 15, 2023

Share:

Question

What are the genetic causes of heterotopic ossification and the related clinical presentation?  

Answer

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressive (FOP) and Progressive Osseous Heteroplasia (POH) are two types of genetic heterotopic ossification.

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressive is rare. It's a slow, progressive disorder due to genetic mutation for the majority of cases, but autosomal dominant transmission does exist as well.  This disorder presents in childhood. This affects and causes abnormalities in the first toe, digits of the hand, and presents with malformation of the cervical spine.  Progressive, painful flares and heterotrophic lesions limit mobility, range of motion, and function. 

If the patient is a child who has an abnormal first toe, what do you think is probably gonna be a clinical presentation or an impairment that you would expect in a child who has additional bone growth or restriction with the first toe? You would expect poor balance or balance impairment, and gait difficulties such as push-off limitations.  This child will show delayed or improper gait mechanics and he or she won't be achieving that milestone anytime in a hurry. Parents will come in with the child stating the child is experiencing falls and difficulty walking. Usually what we hear from the parents is the functional part of it, right? They can't climb stairs. They can't run. They can't jump, they keep falling,

Biopsies should not be performed in a patient with FOP because all this does is stimulate more bone growth (an additional spread of heterotropic lesions). FOP is characterized by progressive ossification of muscle, tendon, aponeuroses, and ligaments.  It's a genetic issue affecting soft tissues. It develops from cranial to caudal (head-to-toe direction) and from axial to appendicular (center of the body out to the limbs).  Eventually, peri-articular and soft tissue ossification becomes so severe that it affects posture, gait, and respiration. Life expectancy is approximately 40 years.

Progressive Osseous Heteroplasia (POH) is a more recently described progressive heterotopic ossification.  POH is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder.  It can be a spontaneous/new mutation in the affected person or could be inherited from the paternal tree. POH has more affinity towards the skin and subcutis. It appears to be mostly intramembranous with some sporadic cases of cartilage involvement.

Radiographs of children with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva typically show areas of deep heterotrophic ossification corresponding to a specific skeletal muscle. Radiographs of children with progressive osseous heteroplasia show a “cocoon‐like web” of heterotrophic ossification throughout the layers of the connective tissues (dermis down to the skeletal muscles).

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Myositis Ossificans: Classification, Pathology, Case Study, and Rehabilitation presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT


rina pandya

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA

Dr. Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, has an extensive physical therapy career that spans over 20 years, through the UK, the USA, and the Middle East. She has worked in NHS (National Health Service), American health care providing PT services in acute care, in-patient rehab, skilled nursing facility, home healthcare, and outpatient clinic. In addition to being a clinician, she has developed specialty programs based on evidence-based practice in her role as a project manager. She has also managed a Physical Therapy department as Department Head in a premier private hospital in Oman. Currently, Dr. Rina is a senior lecturer of physiotherapy (musculoskeletal physiotherapy) at the University of West England, Bristol, UK, and an author of a pocket book series titled Orthopedic Assessments Made Easy.  

Rina graduated from Manipal University, India, in 2000, as well as the University of Michigan, in 2018 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Rina has been awarded a postgraduate certificate in learning and teaching in higher education (PGCert LTHE) and is an associate fellow in higher education (AFHEA). She is also a member of the APTA, HCPC-UK, and OAP-Oman. 


Related Courses

Upper Extremity Fractures and Stages of Fracture Healing
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4653Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'Applicable to pediatric caseload'   Read Reviews
Based on the latest evidence of fracture healing and complications responsible for impaired healing, this course also includes the classification of fractures, stages of healing, and case studies.

Clavicle and Scapula Fractures
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4674Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Really liked the anatomy and kinesiology overview'   Read Reviews
Clavicle fractures account for 5% of upper extremity fractures and up to 15% in children. Scapular fractures account for 3% to 5% of all shoulder girdle fractures. Eighty to 95% of all scapular fractures are accompanied by other serious injuries like shoulder fractures, collarbone, and ribs. Clavicle and scapular fractures can cause serious impairment to the biomechanics of the upper extremity and function. This webinar revisits the anatomy of the clavicle and scapula and explains the fracture classification, radiological appearance, treatment strategies, and complications of these fractures.

A Physical Therapist Guide to Exercise Prescription for the Diabetic and Pre-diabetic Population
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4483Level: Advanced3 Hours
  'Good information was provided, I learned more things to look for and teach my patients with Diabetes'   Read Reviews
This course equips the physical therapist to identify pre-diabetes and type 1 diabetes in their patients based on history and clinical signs and symptoms. Exercise Prescription, the interaction of other medications, and modulation of a current exercise program for patients with diabetes as a co-morbidity are also included. This course also includes the management of diabetes from a Covid-19 perspective.

Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 3 hours of Direct Access CE credit.

Myositis Ossificans: Classification, Pathology, Case Study, and Rehabilitation
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4565Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'I enjoyed the critical thinking and the case studies'   Read Reviews
Differential diagnosis of myositis ossificans in children and young adults is important. This course includes the stages, pathology, physiology, symptomatology, and case studies on myositis ossificans and screening for red flags such as bone cancers.

Groin Pain: Etiology, Differential Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies
Presented by Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Rina Pandya, PT, DPT, PGCert LTHE, AFHEA
Course: #4869Level: Advanced3 Hours
  'Case studies for each section'   Read Reviews
Delve into the intricacies of groin pain as we unravel its causes, discuss effective differential diagnoses, and explore cutting-edge treatment approaches. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and refine your clinical strategies in addressing this common yet complex medical concern.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.