Myositis ossificans of the serratus anterior as a rare complication of massage: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Myositis ossificans usually occurs in the vicinity of the elbow, knee joints, or hip joints, following obvious trauma or surgery. This is the first report on myositis ossificans of the serratus anterior. Case presentation: In this report we present a case of myositis ossificans within the serratus anterior which developed as a complication due to long-term nape massage. The patient was a 29-year-old Han woman. Because heterotopic ossificans constricted her brachial plexus the surface of her right upper arm was slightly numb; the symptom disappeared after surgery. Conclusion: This case highlights that myositis ossificans can occur in the serratus anterior following long-term nape massage.