Myositis ossificans circumscripta: a complication of tetanus.

Myositis ossificans developed in a 67-year-old man recovering from tetanus. This rare complication develops in the convalescent phase of tetanus through metaplastic changes in undifferentiated connective tissue cells in areas of myocellular injury. Anoxia, hematoma formation, and immobilization may be contributing factors. Permanent loss of joint motion may be the end result of this ossifying process.