Citation

Dey D, Wheatley BM, Cholok D, Agarwal S, Yu PB, Levi B, Davis TA. Transl. Res. 2017; 186: 95-111.

Affiliation

Regenerative Medicine Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Md; The Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.trsl.2017.06.004

PMID

28668522

Abstract

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common occurrence after multiple forms of extensive trauma. These include arthroplasties, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, extensive burns in the civilian setting, and combat-related extremity injuries in the battlefield. Irrespective of the form of trauma, heterotopic bone is typically endochondral in structure and is laid down via a cartilaginous matrix. Once formed, the heterotopic bone typically needs to be excised surgically, which may result in wound healing complications, in addition to a risk of recurrence. Refinements of existing diagnostic modalities, like micro- and nano-CT are being adapted toward early intervention. Trauma-induced HO is a consequence of aberrant wound healing, systemic and local immune system activation, infections, extensive vascularization, and innervation. This intricate molecular crosstalk culminates in activation of stem cells that initiate heterotopic endochondral ossification. Development of animal models recapitulating the unique traumatic injuries has greatly facilitated the mechanistic understanding of trauma-induced HO. These same models also serve as powerful tools to test the efficacy of small molecules which specifically target the molecular pathways underlying ectopic ossification. This review summarizes the recent advances in the molecular understanding, diagnostic and treatment modalities in the field of trauma-induced HO.

Published by Elsevier Inc.

Language: en