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.
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.
Authors: Mustafa Citak; Eduardo M Suero; Manuel Backhaus; Renate Meindl; Thomas A Schildhauer Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2012-02-04 Impact factor: 3.134
Authors: T Rosteius; E M Suero; D Grasmücke; M Aach; A Gisevius; M Ohlmeier; R Meindl; T A Schildhauer; M Citak Journal: Spinal Cord Date: 2016-06-28 Impact factor: 2.772