Shoulder

Abstract

Heterotopic ossification (HO) about the shoulder occurs with lower prevalence than in many of the other large joints; nonetheless, it offers a significant source of morbidity. HO may occur anywhere about the shoulder girdle, and can be a consequence of traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, combat, burns, trauma or a result of iatrogenic etiologies. It has the potential for bridging the humerus to the glenoid and causing severe dysfunction. The classification scheme most specific to the shoulder was graded by Kjaersgaard-Anderson. Prevention and therapeutic options are similar to that with the other large anatomic joints. This chapter discusses the concepts of incidence, diagnosis, classification and management of HO at the shoulder joint.