AI Article Synopsis
- Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a complication in spinal cord injury patients, where abnormal bone forms outside the normal skeleton, and early detection is crucial but existing diagnostic methods have limitations.
- 18 patients with SCI and HO were studied, measuring serum creatine kinase (CK) levels at diagnosis and during treatment.
- Results indicated that patients with normal CK levels showed no evidence of HO later, while those with elevated CK levels all developed HO, suggesting high CK might indicate a more severe form of HO and resistance to treatment, warranting further research on CK as a potential early marker for HO.
Article Abstract
Background: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) characterized by formation of ectopic bone. Early diagnosis is critical, but available diagnostic methods have drawbacks. Serum creatine kinase may be a marker for the development and severity of HO.
Participants: 18 SCI patients with diagnosed HO based on clinical findings and bone scintigraphy.
Methods: Serum creatine kinase levels were taken at the time of diagnosis of HO and during subsequent etidronate therapy.
Results: Of the 14 patients with normal creatine kinase values, 13 had no evidence of HO on follow-up radiographic examination. Of the 4 patients with elevated creatine kinase, all developed radiographic signs of HO.
Conclusion: Elevated serum creatine kinase may be associated with a more aggressive course of HO as well as resistance to etidronate therapy. Further studies are needed to determine whether creatine kinase may serve as a marker for early, active HO.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10790268.2003.11753688 | DOI Listing |
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