64-year-old man presented with limited left forearm movement and previous remote history of trauma. He hit a tree stump with a golf club while playing golf about 1 year ago.
Figure 1. Frontal radiograph of left forearm demonstrating well-defined area of ossification proximally within both radial surface of ulna and ulnar surface of radius.
Figure 2. Axial unenhanced CT scan of left forearm demonstrating the well-defined area of ossification related to the radial surface of the ulna. No cortical destruction or definite associated soft tissue mass is identified.
Figure 3. Coronal Proton Density MR left forearm demonstrating the area of ossification as low signal structures along the radial surface of the ulna (arrowheads). Note the central band of the interosseous membrane (arrow). There is no bone marrow or soft tissue oedema and no soft tissue mass.
Diagnosis is traumatic Interosseous Membrane Heterotopic Ossification (IMHO).
The interosseous membrane is a thin, broad fibrous sheet located between the radius and the ulna dividing the forearm into anterior and posterior compartments. It plays an important role in maintaining forearm stability, provides attachment for several of the forearm muscles, and transmits forces from the radius to the ulna [1]. The interosseous membrane is composed of: a distal thin membrane, a discrete central band at the mid forearm level surrounded by several accessory fibres originating from the radius proximally and inserting on the ulna distally, and a dorsal oblique bundle at the proximal forearm level which originates from the ulna and inserts distally on the radius. Of most importance to the function of the interosseous membrane is the central band [2].
IMHO is reported in approximately 2% of forearm injuries. This may result in significant limitation to pronation and supination especially if there is complete bony union across the bones [3]. The history of forearm trauma along with clinical examination and radiological findings are important for the diagnosis. Examination usually demonstrates limited pronation-supination movement [3, 4]. Our patient had only 5 degrees of fixed supination on presentation.
Both radiograph and CT examinations are sensitive for detecting the osseous tissue of heterotopic ossification. CT can detect subtle mineralisation earlier than radiographs, which can be seen as early as 10-14 days after the injury. Earlier imaging may demonstrate a soft tissue mass at the site of injury without any mineralisation, which may be confused for other diagnoses. Follow-up imaging will demonstrate maturation of the heterotopic ossification into a peripheral cortex and central fatty marrow [5].
MRI will help assess associated bone marrow signal changes or soft tissue component (like a cartilaginous cap in case of an osteochondroma). Establishing the diagnosis on ultrasound can be challenging but the identification of the characteristic dense post-acoustic shadowing associated with osseous tissue should prompt further assessment with a radiograph.
IMHO, due to its extension close to the bone surface, may mimic a parosteal osteosarcoma. However, this typically appears as a densely mineralised mass that starts at the periosteal surface and then extends to the adjacent soft tissues [6].
Treatment depends on the degree of symptoms. In our case, due to the significant limitation of movement, the heterotopic ossification was surgically excised resulting in 80 degrees of supination postoperatively. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be considered in cases that have high risk for recurrence [3].
Interosseous membrane traumatic heterotopic ossification
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Based on the images provided by the patient (including X-ray, CT, and MRI), the following main features are noted:
Overall, the imaging confirms the presence of mature or nearly mature ectopic bone within the forearm interosseous membrane region, leading to a connection between the radius and ulna.
In combination with the patient’s age, history of forearm trauma, and current imaging findings, the following diagnoses should be considered:
Considering the patient’s history of forearm trauma a year ago, the current severe restriction in forearm rotation (only about 5° of supination), and the imaging evidence of continuous ectopic bone formation in the interosseous membrane, the most likely diagnosis is:
Traumatic Interosseous Membrane Heterotopic Ossification (IMHO).
If necessary, histopathological examination can be performed to rule out malignancy, although the clinical presentation and imaging findings strongly support the diagnosis of IMHO.
Based on the patient’s symptoms and the degree of functional impairment, the following treatment strategies and rehabilitation protocols may be considered:
This report is based on the history and imaging data currently provided by the patient. It is intended as a reference medical analysis and does not replace an in-person consultation at a clinical facility or the opinion of a qualified physician. If there are further questions or any changes in the patient’s condition, please seek timely medical care or consult a healthcare professional.
Interosseous membrane traumatic heterotopic ossification
