Point Sports Therapy Clinic
digital
INJURY DATA
MYOSITIS OSSIFICANS (MO)
Myositis ossificans (MO) -also known as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva - is when a bone or bone-like tissue grows where it is not supposed to, usually in your muscle after trauma. This is commonly seen in the thigh and the upper arm in athletes.
Average recovery time -
3 to 12 weeks
Likelihood of reoccurrence -
Medium
Digital illustration of MO generated by EVE.
Myositis ossificans is when a soft tissue such as a muscle, fascia, tendon or ligament, is injured and bone (or bone-like) tissue starts to grow inside it. This usually occurs after direct trauma, but it can also be hereditary (although this is less common).
When the body does not make the right cells during the healing process, new bone can be formed instead of fibroblasts which are muscle cells. Generally if you have a large contusion (bruise) or hematoma (a pool of blood that forms a lump) you are more likely to get MO.
Hereditary MO is called MO progressiva and it occurs because of a gene mutation.
80% of MO cases are seen in large muscles groups such as the thigh or upper arm. MO is typically seen in the thigh during a tackle rugby or football, or on the arm after falling from a bike, it can also been seen sometimes on the side of horseback riders thighs due to the repetitive trauma.
Adolescents and young adults are more likely to develop MO, it is rare for children under 10 to develop this condition. It is also common for individuals who are paraplegic (paralysed from the waist down) as they have no feeling in their lower body so are not aware when they are getting injured.
Signs & SYMPTOMs
Pain in the injured muscle
Tenderness
Reduce range of motion
Swelling
Inflammation and heat
Lump in the muscle
If you believe you have symptoms of MO please seek guidance from a medical professional! - EVE
Additional illustrations.
Above shows an expected VAS (pain) score for this injury as calculated by EVE.
sports
This injury is commonly seen in sports such as...
- Rugby
- Football
- Cycling
- Horse riding
treatment & prevention
Follow these steps to treat this injury....
Extra information
Ice is most effective within the first 72 hours of injury; however, it may slow down initial healing.
Consult a pharmacist regarding the use of anti-inflammatories.
Get in touch with a sports therapist to assist with your injury rehabilitation journey - enquire about ultrasound and shockwave therapy.
Stay tuned for our upcoming therapist database!
Reach the starting point of your recovery by purchasing the complete injury rehabilitation package at the Self-Help Shop!
Follow these steps to prevent this injury....
DOs
Allow adequate rest between sessions
Have a consistent exercise plan
Ensure a gradual return to sport following an injury
Improve your flexibility in this area
Incorporate regular breaks in activities that put significant strain in the area
Regularly check your protective equipment before participating in sports
Use sports equipment properly and in accordance with its intended purpose
Switch to low impact exercises such as yoga, walking, biking or swimming during the healing process
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
DON'Ts
Avoid intense activity, massage, and forceful stretching
Do not ignore your pain/symptoms! Address them promptly for a better recovery
Do not take anti-inflammatories for the first 48 hours to avoid disrupting the healing process
Minimise strenuous use and repetitive movements of the affected area - take regular breaks if unavoidable
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.