Heterotopic Ossification

Abstract

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of mature bone in soft tissue where bone normally does not exist. Although HO is among the most common complications after orthopedic surgery, it is not familiar to oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Here we report rare cases of HO. When a patient presents atypical osseous lesions, HO as well as similar lesions such as osteoma, osteochondroma should be considered in the provisional diagnosis. Three-dimensional reconstruction of preoperative computerized tomography imaging improves surgical success.