Is this heterotopic ossification common?
Thank you for your time.. ANSWER: Hi Deb, We used to refer to this condition in the past as myositis ossificans but since have changed the name. Surgery is not usually an option since this can only furhter the problem, a drug called Didronel is used to prevent calcium from being deposited in the bony matrix that has already been formed Therefore, it is essenial to make the diagnosis as soon as possible (preferably before any calcium shows up on x-ray) and start the Didronel immediately. Didronel will do nothing to remove calcium that has already been deposited. It is a preventative drug, and has no effect on existing ossification. It also has no effect on the underlying process which produces the bony matrix. There are no known side effects that would prohibit usage. Many physicians recommend prophylactic use of Didronel in all acute spinal cord injuries, but because of the cost this may not be practical. Some patients complain of nausea the first week, but this is rarely severe enough
