Myositis ossificans Health Dictionary

A congenital or acquired condition in which bone is deposited in muscles. The congenital form is rare. The first symptoms are painful swellings in the muscles, which gradually harden and extend until the affected child is encased in a rigid sheet. There is no treatment, and death results.

The acquired form may develop after a bony injury, especially around the elbow; it causes severe pain and a swelling, which hardens. Treatment with diathermy, coupled with gentle, active movements, may be helpful.

the formation of bone within a *muscle, which most commonly occurs after dislocations or severe muscle bruising, especially around the elbow, shoulder, hip, or knee. Initial symptoms of pain, swelling, and tenderness are followed by joint stiffness; if this persists, surgery may be required to remove the bone once it has stopped growing.