Proteomic Analysis of Trauma-Induced Heterotopic Ossification Formation
Abstract
Over the past decade, improved personal protective equipment and medical support has reduced combat fatalities substantially among wounded war fighters. As a result, survivors are more likely to present with severe trauma to their arms and legs that will need multiple reconstructive surgeries or amputation during their recovery. The orthopaedic doctors caring for these wounded service personnel have been concerned by the fact that over 60% of these patients go on to form abnormal bone within the soft tissue of their injured limbs. This condition, known as Heterotopic Ossification (HO), causes pain, loss of mobility, and often requires additional surgeries to remove the rock hard tissue that has replaced their fat and muscle. While there are theories to explain why HO might occur, doctors still do not fully understand the mechanism(s) causing this disorder. Without knowing the mechanism, doctors find it difficult to predict which patients might be at risk for developing HO or to decide which drugs or treatments to use that would prevent HO from happening in these patients. The currently available treatments for HO have many undesirable side effects which can complicate the overall recovery process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1024497
Entities
People
- Jeffrey M. Gimble
Organizations
- Tulane University of Louisiana