The effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on large neurogenic heterotopic ossification in a patient with pontine hemorrhage: A case report and literature review

We report a case of a 36-year-old man who developed HO around both hip joints 3 months after bilateral pontine hemorrhage. Interventions: Seven months after HO development, ESWT was administered to the area of HO every other day for a total of 10 sessions. Outcomes: Immediately following treatment, the ROM of both hip joints increased. Thus the patient was able to maintain a sitting posture without having to be bound to the wheelchair. In addition, the tolerable sitting time before groaning increased from less than ten minutes to almost 60 minutes by the end of all ESWT sessions. Unlike other previous reports, a diminished HO size was confirmed by comparing plain X-rays and bone scans obtained before and after treatment sessions. Lessons: In this case, we report an objective size reduction in HO in radiologic findings after applying ESWT to both hips. ESWT is a safe, easy-to-apply, and noninvasive modality. We would like to emphasize the use of ESWT as a treatment option for HO to decrease the extent of HO, as well as to improve pain, spasticity and function in patients with stroke.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Research Article: Clinical Case Report Source Type: research