The Impact of Continuous Passive Motion on Heterotopic Ossification Maturation. A case report.

ABSTRACT Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is the formation of pathological bone in soft tissues. It is postulated that continuous passive motion (CPM) is a helpful adjuvant in the halt of the heterotopic ossification progression and the maintenance or increase of the joint mobility. The purpose of this clinical case study is to present the effectiveness of CPM. A 46 y.o. male patient suffering from right hemiparesis arrived in our rehabilitation department with limitation on passive flexion of the right hip. On X-ray of the pelvis immature heterotopic bone formation was found. To halt this ongoing process of heterotopic bone formation a program of CPM was implemented. Additionally, risedronate was administrated. We started the CPM at 50o of flexion for 30 minutes that was increased to 100o for 3 hours daily. The final ROM at the hip was; flexion 85o, extension 0o, internal rotation 10o, external rotation 10o, abduction 10o and adduction 10o. Based on our results, CPM plays a role in HO maturation. The effectiveness of CPM implementation against HO should be further investigated for selected cases.