Polytrauma patient with lateral thoracic spondyloptosis: case report and literature review

Background: Spondyloptosis is caused by high force trauma. The vast majority of cases occur in the sagittal plane and at transition points where ridged sections meet more flexible regions. Lateral thoracic spondyloptosis is extremely rare and there is no current consensus on the optimal treatment plan. Case Description: Here we present a case of a previously physically healthy 24-year-old polytrauma patient after he was struck as a pedestrian by a motor vehicle. Of note the patient was found to have lateral spondyloptosis between T9-10 with complete spinal cord transection. The patient also sustained multi-ligamentous left knee injury, pelvic fractures, open comminuted left tibia and fibular fracture, lacerated liver, bilateral renal lacerations, ischemic bowel, and an aortic arch pseudoaneurysm. Conclusion(s): Lateral thoracic spondyloptosis is a devastating injury with an extreme rate of persistent neurologic deficits. There is no unanimously accepted treatment because of the rarity if the injury and the poor outcomes that patients face. Additionally, patients who experience high level trauma often develop severe psychiatric illness, and the importance of identifying risk factors and implementing care early may improve patient outcomes.Copyright © AME Medical Journal.

Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis and Extensive Dendriform Ossification with Persistent Viral Load: A Rare Presentation of Post-COVID-19 Condition in Need of Lung Transplantation.

The incidence, presentation, and predisposing factors of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are currently poorly understood. Lung explants may provide a rare insight into terminal SARS-CoV-2-associated lung damage and its pathophysiology. A 62-year-old man presented with progressively worsening respiratory symptoms after recovering from mild COVID-19 3 months earlier. No underlying pulmonary comorbidities were reported. A chest CT revealed bilateral extensive ground-glass and reticular opacities, suspicious of pulmonary fibrosis. Despite initial high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, the interstitial lung disease progressed, and after exhausting all viable therapeutic options, bilateral lung transplantation was successfully conducted. Histological analysis revealed extensive end-stage interstitial fibrosis with diffuse dendriform ossification and bronchiolar and transitional cell metaplasia. Signs of interstitial remodeling such as an increased interstitial collagen deposition, a pathological accumulation of CD163+/CD206+ M2-polarized macrophages with an increased expression of phosphorylated ERK, and an increased density of CD105+ newly formed capillaries were observed. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry for SARS-CoV-2 N-protein in the endothelium of medium-sized vessels confirmed a persistence of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings highlight a highly unusual presentation of SARS-CoV-2-associated lung fibrosis, implying that incomplete viral clearance in the vascular compartment may play a vital pathophysiological role in the development of PASC.

Risk of failure in dental implant osseointegration among people with the post-covid syndrome

Dental implants are a standard of care in contemporary dental practice and are widely employed for the restoration of missing teeth. The long-term utility of an implant is largely dependent on the successful implant osseointegration and maintenance of the same over time. Bone metabolism and inflammatory mechanism are interrelated phenomena and are usually collectively termed osteoimmunology, which may affect the predictability and success of implant osseointegration. Many biochemical mediators of inflammation, especially Interleukin (IL)1, IL-6, and Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)alpha, have been documented to increase the activity of bone-resorbing cells through the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B (RANK) and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand (RANKL)systems. Some of the earlier studies with very limited data suggest that SARS-CoV2 infection may also directly affect bone resorption. Thus, it is imperative to understand the pathophysiology of osseointegration in COVID-19 patients, to enhance successful implant osseointegration and prevent peri-implant bone loss in these patients. Here, we present a summary of the connection between inflammatory pathways and bone metabolism on a molecular basis which may assume a significant bearing in situations of exaggerated host immune response as seen in COVID-19 infection.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.

Heterotopic ossification post COVID-19: Report of two cases.

Heterotopic ossification is often associated with trauma and surgery, and infrequently reported with immobilization due to critical illness. We present 2 patients who developed heterotopic ossification following severe COVID-19 infection. Both patients were middle-aged females who were hospitalized for one month or greater due to COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation. Both developed shoulder pain and/or stiffness a few months after discharge, with imaging studies clearly illustrating development of heterotopic ossification around the shoulders. The etiology is unclear, with immobilization and hypoxia being the primary considerations. Physical examination and radiography are essential to diagnosis. Awareness of this complication and early diagnosis may help minimize functional impairment.

Simultaneous Primary Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma and Breast Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report

Sinonasal cancer accounts for roughly only 3% of upper respiratory tract malignancies and generally presents as a primary malignancy. Although extremely rare, the sinonasal cavity is also a known location for metastasis, with 8% of these cases originating from primary breast cancer. When attempting to differentiate primary disease from metastasis, immunohistochemical analyses play a crucial role in reaching the correct diagnosis. To date, there are a handful of reports describing metastasis involving the paranasal sinuses but even fewer reporting primary sinonasal cancer with coexisting primary malignancy. Here we present a case of primary sinonasal adenocarcinoma in the setting of a long-standing history of breast cancer. The patient, a 73-year-old female, was diagnosed with T1cN1aM0, progesterone receptor positive and estrogen receptor negative ductal carcinoma in situ of the left breast in November 2019. She subsequently underwent bilateral mastectomy and treated with 3 cycles of chemotherapy and anastrozole, which were both discontinued due to intolerance. Of note, in March 2019, MRI of the head incidentally found a 3 x 2 cm mass in right nasal cavity extending into ethmoid sinus. One year later, she presented with mild right sided nasal obstruction and drainage, and biopsy revealed squamous and respiratory mucosa with chronic inflammation. The patient elected to cancel initial surgical resection of the mass due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient returned in March 2022 with complaints of eye pressure, double vision, headaches, and worsening nasal obstruction. PET/CT scan was negative for distant metastasis but demonstrated increased uptake in sinus cavity. MRI showed a larger 5 x 3.7 cm mass impressing on medial inferior margins of orbit. Imaging also suggested evidence of dehiscence of lamina and irregular neo-osteogenesis of the skull base. She underwent approach and resection of the mass with histology demonstrating a well differentiated, low grade non-intestinal mucinous adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was positive for pankeratin and CK7, favoring a primary sinonasal origin. It was estrogen receptor negative and negative for GATA3, a sensitive and fairly specific stain in mammary carcinoma. Adjuvant radiation was recommended postoperatively, however the patient declined this therapy. This case highlights the role of immunohistochemistry to discriminate a new primary cancer from metastasis in patients with a history of breast cancer. Clinically, patients with sinonasal metastasis can present with symptoms ranging from unilateral nasal obstruction, facial pain, diplopia, and decreased vision. On imaging, suspicion of malignancy is raised when there is evidence of destruction of bony boundaries and invasion of surrounding tissues such as the orbit and anterior skull base, as found in our patient. Notably, metastasis to the paranasal sinuses can mimic a primary cancer of the nasal cavity, with both tumors showing epithelial differentiation. However, primary tumors often show neoplastic changes in the overlying respiratory epithelium and do not express estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or HER2 positivity, which are known to be correlated with breast cancer. In this setting, GATA3 and estrogen receptor negativity allowed us to diagnose primary nasal cancer more confidently. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of metastatic disease and expand immunohistochemistry panels when appropriate.

A follow-up report on the published paper Social and clinical impact of COVID-19 on patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder associated with increased immune activity and severe, progressive heterotopic ossification. We previously described a cohort of 32 patients with FOP who were either exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or received a COVID-19 vaccine1 and showed that these patients did not develop heterotopic ossification after COVID-19 vaccination. Here, we present additional clinical data from new subjects and additional long-term follow-up from the first cohort. We enrolled 15 new subjects between August 24th, 2021 and May 17th, 2022 and collected additional self-reported outcomes. The larger cohort with 47 individuals encompassing 49 events showed that patients with FOP exhibited no additional change in FOP disease activity or flare activity resulting from COVID-19 infection or after receipt of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Thus, although any vaccination carries a risk of inducing heterotopic ossification in patients with FOP, our results show that patients with FOP who choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may be able to tolerate the procedure without a high risk of heterotopic ossification when following the published guidelines.

Too Ultra-Rare for Care? Orphan Drug Availability for People Living With Ultra-Rare Respiratory Diseases in the Pre, Present and Post Pandemic Worlds

Objectives: To compare the current and potential availability of treatments for seven index ultra-rare respiratory diseases before and after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): At the 2019 ISPOR EU Conference, a landscape review of available treatments for ultra-rare respiratory diseases was presented. Therefore, 3 years on, we sought to explore if treatment access has improved for ultra-rare respiratory diseases. A landscape review was undertaken to seek evidence of treatment developments for ataxia telangiectasia (AT), lymphangiomatosis (LYMF), pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE), pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM), pulmonary dendriform ossification (PDO), and light chain deposition disorders (LCDD). Information from clinicaltrials.gov, orpha.net, the EMA and FDA archives and websites of five health technology assessment (HTA) bodies was narratively synthesised. Result(s): The 2019 clinicaltrials.gov search identified 24 studies and the 2022 search 25 studies at various stages of the clinical trial process. They concerned PAP (2019/2022: 11/10), AT (6/10), LCDD (5/4), LYMF (1/0) and PPFE (1/1). No studies were identified for PAM or PDO. The 2019 review found treatments for AT and PAP were granted orphan status by the EMA and the FDA, and in 2021 the FDA granted orphan status to another AT treatment. Neither search found reimbursement submissions for any of the ultra-rare respiratory disease. Conclusion(s): There still remains an obvious lack of proven and available treatments for ultra-rare respiratory diseases. Over the past 3 years, only 1 new treatment has been granted regulatory approval and no treatments have yet to result in therapies that are licensed or approved by HTA bodies. It is our hope that as we enter the post-pandemic world, we as industry professionals and researchers start to adequately address the treatment needs of people living with these debilitating conditions. Copyright © 2022

Jahreskongress DVO OSTEOLOGIE 2022.

The proceedings contain 79 papers. The topics discussed include: vertebral fractures increase the risk of subsequent vertebral fractures: results from a large German health insurance dataset;analysis of bone architecture using fractal-based TX-Analyzer in adult patients with osteogenesis imperfecta;bone health in nursing home residents in Germany - do we care enough?;types of therapeutic errors in the management of osteoporosis: results of an experimental study;cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 as a tool to efficiently enrich myeloid angiogenic cells from peripheral blood;response of bone tissue to ostarine treatment and/or treadmill exercise in a healthy adult rat model;influence of the cell aggregation technique on the differentiation of human articular chondrocytes in microtissues;changes in dispensing of anti-osteoporotic drugs during COVID-19 pandemic;and loss of adipogenic dickkopf-1 increases trabecular and cortical bone mass by promoting bone formation in male mice.

Diagnostic accuracy of cervical spine imaging to predict thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: Retrospective chart review.

PURPOSE: To analyze the significance of ossification index of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament as a risk factor for thoracic OPLL (ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament) in patients with cervical OPLL. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of cervical OPLL patients in Changzheng hospital, who received chest CT scans for screening of COVID-19, and included 87 patients into this study. According to the radiographic evidence, 87 patients were divided into CT group(cervical OPLL combined with thoracic OPLL）and C group(cervical OPLL group). We measured the cervical OS index (ossification index), and analyzed the relationship between thoracic OPLL and cervical OS index. RESULTS: There was no difference of age、sex、duration of symptoms、comorbidity between the 2 groups(P＞0.05). The mean cervical OS index was higher in the CT group than in the C group (8 ± 2 VS 3 ± 2，P＜0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cervical OS index ＞8 was considered as "high risk" of tandem OPLL, while with value ≤ 4 was considered as "low risk". Index between 5 and 8 were considered as "middle risk". This study demonstrated that the cervical OS index may be used as an indicator of thoracic OPLL in patients with cervical OPLL, with a high diagnostic accuracy.

Investigation of developmental toxicity of favipiravir on fetal bone and embryonic development.

BACKGROUND: Favipiravir is one of the essential antiviral drugs used for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in some countries. However, there is not enough information about used, especially in pregnancy. Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to determine the developmental toxicity of favipiravir on fetal bone development and embryonic development. METHODS: In this study, 16 pregnant wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: Control (saline) and Group A (50 mg/kg × 5 days), Group B (50 mg/kg × 1 days + 20 mg/kg × 4 days), Group C (20 mg/kg × 5 days). Solutions were administered to the rats by oral gavage from the 10th to 14th days of pregnancy, twice a day. The skeletal system development of fetuses was examined with double skeletal staining and immunohistochemical staining methods. RESULTS: A total of 72 fetuses from pregnant rats, 18 in each group, were included in the study. As a result, depending on favipiravir dose increase, in experimental groups, it was determined that the statistically significant decrease on the ossification rates of anterior and posterior extremity bones, and length and weight of fetuses. CONCLUSION: Exposure to favipiravir during pregnancy impairs bone metabolism and bone formation-resorption stages and may cause developmental delay.

Long-term Orthopedic Manifestations of COVID-19: Heterotopic Ossification and Digital Necrosis.

Despite its classification as an atypical pneumonia, COVID-19 is a disease that is capable of inflicting damage beyond the respiratory system. The wide range of musculoskeletal complications secondary to acute COVID-19 are a significant source of morbidity in hospitalized patients. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with severe COVID-19 who required intubation and had a prolonged hospital course that was complicated by partial-thickness necrosis of her fingers and heterotopic ossification of the distal thigh. We review current treatments for these orthopedic conditions in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as highlight areas for future research. Additionally, we discuss the subacute musculoskeletal complications of COVID-19, which are among the most common long-term manifestations of the disease and are increasingly important for a growing number of COVID-19 survivors.

Determinant Factors of the Quality of Life in Children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a common chronic illness with increasing prevalence. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and large society restriction policies in Indonesia cause problems and might affect the quality of life (QoL) of children with OI. AIM: The objective of the study was to evaluate determinant factors (such as number of hospital visits per year, calcium and/or Vitamin D consumption, fear and obstacles of visiting the hospital, and parent’s layoff) of OI children’s QoL pre and during the 1st year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study design conducted in the Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic, Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, during the 1st year of COVID-19 pandemic to assess the patient’s QoL. This study used a diagnostic group with questionnaires. The instrument included the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Score, a standardized interview questionnaire comprising questions on the participant characteristics and determinant factors pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of determinant factors pre and during the pandemic used McNemar. Correlation between determinant factors and QoL used linear regression for physical and emotional dimensions and logistic regression for social, school, and total score. RESULTS: Of the 22 children with OI, 19 had fear of visiting the hospital (p < 0.001), and 16 had obstacles to visiting the hospital (p < 0.01). Taking calcium and/or Vitamin D supplementation pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic affected school functioning (p = 0.015) and the total score (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The significant risk factors pre and during COVID-19 were fear of and obstacles to visiting the hospital. Supplementation of calcium and/or Vitamin D pre and during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted school functioning and the total score.

PETRAM RESULTS: BONE TURNOVER CHANGES on 18F-PET/CT after A RANDOMIZED SWITCH to TAF

Background: The mechanism of bone loss in antiretroviral-treated HIV-positive patients is poorly understood. Plasma bone turnover markers(BTMs) suggest uncoupling of bone resorption and formation by a treatment effect on bone cells. Switching away from TDF to TAF-containing regimens has been associated with bone mineral density(BMD) gains measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). One explanation is reversal of ongoing subclinical bone loss in the TDF to TAF switchers. Quantitative imaging with 18F-PET/CT allows assessment of regional bone formation at specific skeletal sites and can help differentiate if BMD changes are associated with increased bone formation or reduced bone loss. Methods: PETRAM, an open-label, randomised study conducted at a single UK site, enrolled non-osteoporotic virologically suppressed HIV-positive males, on >24 weeks rilpivirine/emtricitabine/TDF (RPV/FTC/TDF). They were randomised 1:1 to remain on RPV/FTC/TDF or switch to RPV/FTC/TAF. The protocol specified scanning by DXA (to measure BMD) and 18F-PET/CT at several regions of interest-with primary focus on the lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH)-at baseline, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks. However, the timing of scans was disrupted, and in some cases considerably delayed, by COVID-19. The primary analysis was therefore based on change between the baseline and final scans, adjusting for the interval between them. Regions of interest were drawn on the PET/CT images and the standardised uptake value (SUV) measured. A sample of 30 (15 per arm) was estimated to provide 90% power to detect a difference in change of 25% in SUV between the randomised groups. Results: 32 males, median age 51 years, 76% White ethnicity, median duration RPV/FTC/TDF of 49 months, BMI 25.5 kg/m2 were enrolled;27(16 TAF:11 TDF) were included in the final analysis. The interval between baseline and final scans ranged between 23-103 weeks (median 55 weeks). There was no significant difference in change in SUV(18F-PET/CT) at the LS or TH between the TAF and TDF arms (Table);there was a trend towards improved LS BMD, but not TH BMD, in the TAF arm. Conclusion: As measured by 18F-PET/CT, regional bone formation at the hip or LS in patients replacing TDF with TAF in their ART combination did not differ, and contrary to our hypothesis, switching to TAF vs. remaining on TDF over 23-103 weeks did not change BMD or SUV at these key skeletal sites. The improved LS BMD in those switching to TAF is consistent with findings from other TAF-switch studies.

HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION AFTER COVID-19 INFECTION - CASE REPORT

Background/Aims Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation and deposition of mature lamellar bone within soft tissue, associated with trauma, surgery, neurologic injury and prolonged immobilisation. Several recent case reports have demonstrated this condition in COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Methods We present a case of heterotopic ossification in the shoulder after a long stay in intensive care unit (ICU) due to COVID-19 infection. Results A 55-year-old man with stable psoriatic arthritis on sulfasalazine was admitted to ICU for mechanical ventilation after contracting COVID-19 infection. After discharge from ICU, he began noticing increasing right shoulder pain with restricted movements of abduction, internal and external rotation. His serum alkaline phosphatase was moderately elevated. Despite physiotherapy and NSAIDs, there was slow improvement. Shoulder x-ray showed significant bony overgrowth around proximal humerus which was initially thought to be part of his psoriatic arthritis. It was confirmed at Rheumatology/Radiology MDT to be heterotopic ossification. A computed tomography of the right shoulder was requested to evaluate the extent of the condition and orthopaedic advice was sought. Conclusion There are many factors contributing to the development of heterotopic ossification including trauma, spinal cord injury, brain injury, hypoxia, prolonged immobilisation with limitation of joint movement and prolonged bed rest which cause alterations in calcium homeostasis, male sex and over 60 years of age. New onset joint pain and stiffness in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 especially those who had long ICU stay should be further investigated for this condition. Treatment includes analgesia and physiotherapy with potential surgical intervention.

Atraumatic heterotopic ossification after pulmonary failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation: case report

Heterotopic ossification is well-described, often complication after musculoskeletal trauma, surgery and neuro-trauma. We present a patient who developed heterotopic ossification of hip joints with bony ankylosis after prolonged artificial pulmonary ventilation because of pulmonary failure after H1N1 pneumonia. Atraumatic heterotopic ossification occurs in critically ill patients after mechanical ventilation, including patients with COVID-19 disease. We consider imobilization and artificial pulmonary ventilation as a possible causal factors of heterotopic ossification. Early diagnosis and implementation of potentional preventive and therapeutical tools, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and appropriate physiotherapy, are needed to decrease morbidity in patients with risk factors. The timing of surgical excision must be considered according to a risk of recurrence and irreversible joint damage.

Heterotopic ossification and COVID 19: Imaging analysis of ten consecutive cases.

PURPOSE: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is defined by the formation of mature lamellar bone in periarticular soft tissue due to prolonged immobility. This study aimed to explore the imaging features of HOs in immobilized COVID-19 patients compared to other causes previously described in the literature. METHOD: This retrospective single centre study included patients with severe COVID-19 hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) with mechanical ventilation and affected by HOs between March 2020 and December 2021. Two radiologists reviewed imaging features of biphasic CT-scans using a standardized template including morphological findings and anatomical relationship of the HO with the joint, vessels and nerves. RESULTS: 10 COVID-19 patients with 19 analyzed HOs following ICU hospitalization were including. Biphasic CT imaging characteristics were analyzed. The hips were the most commonly affected joint (n = 14/19; 74%). The distribution was mainly posterior (n = 7/19; 38%). HOs were located away from main arteries. No case of severe demineralization was observed. Capsular disruption was observed for three HOs (n = 3/19; 16%). One patient presented concomitant venous thrombosis ipsilateral to the HO. CT-scan demonstrated neural involvement of the sciatic nerve in 3 patients with HO (n = 3/19; 16%). CONCLUSION: Severe COVID-19 patients with a biphasic CT imaging presented HO mainly located around the hips, with rare vessel and nerve invasion and no severe demineralization. Some features such as a lower level of local invasion differ from HOs related to other disorders as described in the literature whereas morphological aspects are similar.

Highlights from this issue

[...]perhaps, to invert a Runsfeldianism, we also know more about what we don’t know… and the breadth of this month’s manuscripts testify to this: UK reference data ( see page 613 ), global health implications ( see page 616 and the WHO group, see page 620 ), the arguments around school closure ( see page 618 ), the disappearance of children from emergency departments ( see page 704 ) and (and this is unexpectedly dystopian) the implications for chronic disease management using inflammatory bowel disease as an example ( see page 706 ). Linear growth There’s a long held perception that skeletal growth rate has a more or less linear relationship with skeletal maturity, itself measurable by a number of radiological techniques based on extent of ossification. High-sensitivity C reactive protein was measured at three points in time (13, 17 and 21 years) and categorised in tertiles separately for each wave;chronic low-grade inflammation in adolescence was defined as having hs-CRP levels in the highest tertile in at least two waves.

[Heterotopic ossification in SARS-CoV-2: Scintigraphic and radiological images]. / Osificación heterotópica en paciente con SARS-CoV-2: imágenes gammagráficas y radiológicas.

Patients with severe COVID-19 can develop painful range-of-motion restrictions of large joints due to heterotopic ossification. We present the case of a patient who developed hip pain after prolonged admission for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Conventional radiography, computed tomography and bone scan showed extensive heterotopic ossification in the hips. It is probable that both local and systemic factors contribute to the development of heterotopic ossifications and it is necessary to rule out this entity when these patients reported joint pain. Early diagnosis is important to provide non-pharmacological interventions such as mild passive mobilization and anti-inflammatory medication and in refractory cases surgical resection of the ectopic bone is consider.

A case report of a patient with COVID-19 infection and widespread heterotopic ossification.

Since the beginning of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists have played an important role in fighting this disease apart from the pulmonary rehabilitation. As a high number of patients have needed immobilization and intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, many complications have emerged inevitably. Heterotopic ossification (HO) is one of these complications. Herein, we present a case of young male patient who had widespread HO in his shoulders, elbows, and hips. Although he managed to survive, he still has difficulty in ambulation and daily living activities. Given the continuing high prevalence of COVID-19, many patients would need immobilization and ICU treatment. Therefore, causes of HO should be scrutinized, physicians and caregivers need to raise vigilance, and comprehensive protective measures should be put in place. On the other hand, as HO is used to be diagnosed quite frequently in the patients with neurological diseases, diagnosis of HO in the COVID-19 patients should not automatically be linked to the stay in the ICU. Yet, it is a fact that impaired immune response is prevalent both in COVID-19 and HO. The correlation between COVID-19 and HO is remarkable, but further research is needed to establish a causal relationship.