A right hand dominant young ethnic Indian male developed heterotopic ossification
(HO) of his right index finger after a contusion due to a fall. There were no open
wounds clinically and no fractures noted on plain radiographs. Stiffness of the proximal
interphalangeal joint and generalised swelling of the digit was present about three
weeks after the injury. Radiographic investigations of the digit demonstrated soft
tissue ossification volar to the proximal and middle phalanges. Non-operative management
was instituted. This case report demonstrates that heterotopic ossification of digits
can occur from closed, blunt trauma in the absence of bony injuries. Current literature
on management of digital heterotopic ossification is minimal due to low incidence.
Keywords
Heterotopic ossification (HO) - Blunt trauma
