OBJECTIVE: To present a case of myositis ossificans traumatica (MOT) in a hockey player. Serial X-ray studies allow the reader an opportunity to observe MOT in its earliest through fulminated stages.

CLINICAL FEATURES: A 20-yr-old hockey player was subjected to an acute blow to the lateral thigh. Copious amounts of swelling soon developed. The patient was unable to skate. X-rays were initially performed 4 hr after the injury and demonstrated a hugh mass developing in the thigh at that time.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The player was inappropriately treated with deep tissue massage and heat at the time of injury. It is believed that this led to the fulmination and advanced degree of MOT development. Immobilization allowed for resorption of the calcific density of the ossified structure.

CONCLUSION: Proper care of acute trauma is essential in disorders of this nature. Ice, immobility and recognition of when a possible MOT lesion is developing is essential when dealing with contact sports.

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. Article only available in print.