Widespread heterotopic ossification in a patient with anoxic brain injury: Case report and review of literature

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of bone in the soft tissue, which exhibits no properties of ossification. Widespread HO is an uncommon condition. We present the findings in an 18-year-old young female who presented with benign bilateral fibroadenoma of the breast. However, she suffered an anoxic brain injury following cardiac arrest and had mechanical ventilation for some weeks. Thereafter, she developed widespread HOs, which were subsequently managed conservatively but required surgery for the ossification around the right hip. The report highlighted the multiplicity of risk factors vis-a-vis the challenges of management. A plan for the future care of this patient in relation to some of the currently available literature has also been highlighted.