Treatment of Myositis Ossificans

Myositis ossificans is the development of abnormal bone at the injured site. It is a rare condition that is the result of a blunt or a muscle injury. Athletes commonly suffer from myositis ossificans in which the deep tissue bleeds profusely. Soccer players who get hurt in the mid-thigh, develop pain and bruising that may lead to this condition. The soft tissues and muscles of the body that get injured in the trauma initially, develop a hematoma (specific area gets swollen). Over a period of time, a bone is formed within the muscle at the injured site.

Myositis means formation of bone within the muscle. This is an unusual condition and no one knows the reason to why it develops. Doctors are still unable to find the cause of myositis ossificans. The abnormal bone can be easily detected using X-rays. However, the cause of concern is that the x-ray procedure also shows a tumor (uncontrolled growth of mass) that is developed within the soft tissues. However, the tumor is localized and does not spread. To ensure that unusual bone mass formed is benign (non cancerous), an x-ray of the injured site is again performed after several weeks.

Treatment for Myositis Ossificans

People suffering from the condition are advised to take complete rest. This is essential as rest plays a very important role in recovery. Patients are advised to restrict their movements and take rest as far as possible. This is continued until the pain subsides considerably. Immobilization aids in accelerating the healing process.

Ice can also be placed on the injured spot to relieve the pain. Initially a massage should be avoided to prevent further bleeding. But after a stipulated period, when the bleeding has stopped one can use massage therapy to alleviate the tension and stress of the affected soft tissues. A massage is indeed beneficial, as it provides considerable relief from the pain. It will help to regain the flexibility of the muscles. With massage therapy rehabilitating the injury may not be difficult, because it improves blood circulation and reduces the healing time. Regular massage is indeed the best way to increase flexibility and strength of injured muscles. The person will also be advised to wear a protective support such as foam padding or plaster.

Anti-inflammatory medications are also effective to treat myositis ossificans, as they relieve the discomfort of the patient. Indomethacin is beneficial as it helps to reduce the pain.

In case myositis ossificans is causing severe pain, even after months of injury, then surgical procedure is used to remove the bone. In some patients myositis ossificans does not allow normal joint motion and irritates the nerve. In such a case, surgery is used to eliminate the bone. Even if the condition is diagnosed early, surgery is not recommended as myositis ossificans is not "mature". Doctors generally wait for 6 to 12 months before considering surgical removal. It is likely to comeback, if it is removed before maturity.

With myositis ossificans, pain decreases with time. Rest along with medication will surely help to restore normal functioning of the injured muscle.