Troublesome heterotopic ossification and stroke: Features and risk factors. A case control study

Surgical Resection of Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification around Hip Joint in Stroke Patients: A Safety and Outcome Report

Purpose

Resection remains the most reliable treatment for established heterotopic ossification, despite questions regarding its effectiveness due to the potential for complications. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and complications of neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) resection in stroke patients' ankylosed hips.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed nine hip NHO resections performed on seven patients from 2010 to 2018. The pre- and postoperative range of motion of the operated hip were compared. Analysis of postoperative complications, including infection, recurrence, iatrogenic fracture, and neurovascular injury was performed.

Results

The mean operative time was 132.78±21.08 minutes, with a mean hemoglobin drop of 3.06±0.82 g/dL within the first postoperative week. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 52.08±28.72 months for all patients. Postoperative range of motion showed improvement from preoperative. Flexion and external rotation (mean, 58.89±30.60° and 16.67±18.03°, respectively) showed the greatest gain of motion of the operated hip joint. Postoperative infections resolved in two cases through surgical debridement, and one case required conversion to total hip arthroplasty due to instability. There were no recurrences, iatrogenic fractures, or neurovascular injuries.

Conclusion

Resection is a beneficial intervention for restoring the functional range of motion of the hip in order to improve the quality of life for patients with NHO and neurological disorders. We recommend performance of a minimal resection to achieve a targeted functional arc of motion in order to minimize the risk of postoperative complications.

Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides Exacerbate Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification Development

Neurogenic heterotopic ossifications (NHO) are heterotopic bones that develop in periarticular muscles after severe central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Several retrospective studies have shown that NHO prevalence is higher in patients who suffer concomitant infections. However, it is unclear whether these infections directly contribute to NHO development or reflect the immunodepression observed in patients with CNS injury. Using our mouse model of NHO induced by spinal cord injury (SCI) between vertebrae T11 to T13 , we demonstrate that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria exacerbate NHO development in a toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)-dependent manner, signaling through the TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF/TICAM1) adaptor rather than the myeloid differentiation primary response-88 (MYD88) adaptor. We find that T11 to T13 SCI did not significantly alter intestinal integrity nor cause intestinal bacteria translocation or endotoxemia, suggesting that NHO development is not driven by endotoxins from the gut in this model of SCI-induced NHO. Relevant to the human pathology, LPS increased expression of osteoblast markers in cultures of human fibro-adipogenic progenitors isolated from muscles surrounding NHO biopsies. In a case-control retrospective study in patients with traumatic brain injuries, infections with gram-negative Pseudomonas species were significantly associated with NHO development. Together these data suggest a functional association between gram-negative bacterial infections and NHO development and highlights infection management as a key consideration to avoid NHO development in patients. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Inflammasomes and the IL-1 Family in Bone Homeostasis and Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Inflammasomes are multimeric protein structures with crucial roles in host responses against infections and injuries. The importance of inflammasome activation goes beyond host defense as a dysregulated inflammasome and subsequent secretion of IL-1 family members is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, some of which also produce skeletal manifestations. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent developments in the understanding of inflammasome regulation and IL-1 family members in bone physiology and pathology and current therapeutics will be discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Small animal models have been vital to help understand how the inflammasome regulates bone dynamics. Animal models with gain or loss of function in various inflammasome components or IL-1 family signaling have illustrated how these systems can impact numerous bone pathologies and have been utilized to test new inflammasome therapeutics. It is increasingly clear that a tightly regulated inflammasome is required not only for host defense but for skeletal homeostasis, as a dysregulated inflammasome is linked to diseases of pathological bone accrual and loss. Given the complexities of inflammasome activation and redundancies in IL-1 activation and secretion, targeting these pathways is at times challenging. Ongoing research into inflammasome-mediated mechanisms will allow the development of new therapeutics for inflammasome/IL-1 diseases.

Neurogenic heterotopic ossificans of hips in a case of expanded dengue syndrome following critical illness polyneuropathy

We present a case of 71-year-old man with bilateral hip neurogenic heterotopic ossificans following critical illness polyneuropathy as a complication of expanded dengue syndrome. His left hip was stiff and showed a circumferential ossific mass. After initial medical management, the patient underwent excision of ossific mass using posterior approach. For adequate excision, femoral head and neck were resected and a hybrid total hip arthroplasty was performed. The patient was followed up for 2 years and showed good clinical outcome without recurrence of heterotopic ossification. This case highlights the rare aetiology of neurogenic heterotopic ossification which is critical illness polyneuropathy following expanded dengue syndrome. It highlights that adequate resection and a total hip arthroplasty can be a viable option in selected cases of circumferential heterotopic ossification in old individuals.

Single-Cell Integration Analysis of Heterotopic Ossification and Fibrocartilage Developmental Lineage: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Effector Xbp1 Transcriptionally Regulates the Notch Signaling Pathway to Mediate Fibrocartilage Differentiation

INTRODUCTION

Regeneration of fibrochondrocytes is essential for the healing of the tendon-bone interface (TBI), which is similar to the formation of neurogenic heterotopic ossification (HO). Through single-cell integrative analysis, this study explored the homogeneity of HO cells and fibrochondrocytes.

METHODS

This study integrated six datasets, namely, GSE94683, GSE144306, GSE168153, GSE138515, GSE102929, and GSE110993. The differentiation trajectory and key transcription factors (TFs) for HO occurrence were systematically analyzed by integrating single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing, bulk RNA sequencing, and assay of transposase accessible chromatin seq. The differential expression and enrichment pathways of TFs in heterotopically ossified tissues were identified.

RESULTS

HO that mimicked pathological cells was classified into HO1 and HO2 cell subsets. Results of the pseudo-temporal sequence analysis suggested that HO2 is a differentiated precursor cell of HO1. The analysis of integrated scRNA data revealed that ectopically ossified cells have similar transcriptional characteristics to cells in the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. The modified SCENIC method was used to identify specific transcriptional regulators associated with ectopic ossification. Xbp1 was defined as a common key transcriptional regulator of ectopically ossified tissues and the fibrocartilaginous zone of tendons. Subsequently, the CellPhoneDB database was completed for the cellular ligand-receptor analysis. With further pathway screening, this study is the first to propose that Xbp1 may upregulate the Notch signaling pathway through Jag1 transcription. Twenty-four microRNAs were screened and were found to be potentially associated with upregulation of XBP1 expression after acute ischemic stroke.

CONCLUSION

A systematic analysis of the differentiation landscape and cellular homogeneity facilitated a molecular understanding of the phenotypic similarities between cells in the fibrocartilaginous region of tendon and HO cells. Furthermore, by identifying Xbp1 as a hub regulator and by conducting a ligand-receptor analysis, we propose a potential Xbp1/Jag1/Notch signaling pathway.

Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossifications Develop Independently of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor and Neutrophils

Neurogenic heterotopic ossifications (NHOs) are incapacitating heterotopic bones in periarticular muscles that frequently develop following traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries (SCI). Using our unique model of SCI-induced NHO, we have previously established that mononucleated phagocytes infiltrating injured muscles are required to trigger NHO via the persistent release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine oncostatin M (OSM). Because neutrophils are also a major source of OSM, we investigated whether neutrophils also play a role in NHO development after SCI. We now show that surgery transiently increased granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels in blood of operated mice, and that G-CSF receptor mRNA is expressed in the hamstrings of mice developing NHO. However, mice defective for the G-CSF receptor gene Csf3r, which are neutropenic, have unaltered NHO development after SCI compared to C57BL/6 control mice. Because the administration of recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) has been trialed after SCI to increase neuroprotection and neuronal regeneration and has been shown to suppress osteoblast function at the endosteum of skeletal bones in human and mice, we investigated the impact of a 7-day rhG-CSF treatment on NHO development. rhG-CSF treatment significantly increased neutrophils in the blood, bone marrow, and injured muscles. However, there was no change in NHO development compared to saline-treated controls. Overall, our results establish that unlike monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils are dispensable for NHO development following SCI, and rhG-CSF treatment post-SCI does not impact NHO development. Therefore, G-CSF treatment to promote neuroregeneration is unlikely to adversely promote or affect NHO development in SCI patients. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Post-stroke bilateral heterotopic ossification: An acute problem with long-lasting consequences

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a complication of injury to the central nervous system in which production of lamellar bone within the soft tissues occurs resulting in pain, reduced range of motion (ROM) and loss of functional capacity. Heterotopic ossification is rarely seen in stroke patients and mostly affects the paretic side. In this article, we present a case of established bilateral HO of the hips soon after stroke onset. A 77-year-old female patient with a five-month history of stroke presented to our rehabilitation clinic. Physical examination revealed sensorimotor aphasia, right-sided hemiplegia, bilateral painful limited ROM of the hips and left knee contracture. An anteroposterior X-ray of the pelvis revealed previously undiagnosed bilateral HO of the hips. The patient and her relatives declined operative interventions. The patient was discussed in the departmental meeting and it was agreed that she would not be able to partake in an active inpatient rehabilitation program. She was discharged with a home exercise plan. This case highlights the importance of HO, of both the paretic and non-paretic side, being included in the differential diagnosis of post-stroke patients presenting with joint pain and reduced ROM, both acutely and in the long-term. This may aid the timely diagnosis and management of HO, a pathology which has detrimental effects on functionality.

Resection of heterotopic ossification around the hip after trauma

Traumatic neurological lesions may lead to development of heterotopic ossification. These cases are classified as ‘neurogenic heterotopic ossifications’ (NHOs). The associated neurological lesions can be caused by cranial trauma or spinal cord injury and may sometimes include a local trauma.

NHOs that form around the hip joints are of particular interest because they often cause the patient to avoid the sitting position or the resumption of walking.

Whilst NHO can involve the knee, shoulder and elbow joints, hip-involving NHOs are more numerous, and sometimes develop in close contact with vascular or neurological structures.

Multi-disciplinary clinical examination is fundamental to evaluate patients for surgical intervention and to define the objectives of the surgery. The best investigation to define an NHO mass is a computerized tomography (CT) scan.

Resection is performed to liberate a fused joint to provide functionality, and this need not be exhaustive if it is not necessary to increase the range of motion.

While recurrence does occur post-surgery, a partial resection does not pose a greater risk of recurrence and there are no adjuvant treatments available to reduce this risk.

The greatest risks associated with NHO surgical resection are infection and haematoma; these risks are very high and must be considered when evaluating patients for surgery.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180098

Resection of neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) of the hip

Neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip is secondary to neurologic lesions such as cranial trauma, stroke, medullary injury or cerebral anoxia. We shall not deal here with the other etiologies of heterotopic ossification. There are numerous locations within the hip, depending on etiology and relations with adjacent neurovascular structures are sometimes close. Preoperative work-up should include contrast-enhanced CT; scintigraphy is non-contributive. Indications for surgery are decided in a multidisciplinary team meeting, with a contract laying out expected functional gain. It is this contract that determines the extent of resection, without seeking complete resection, which would incur an increased risk of complications. The surgical approach and resection strategy depend on lesion location and any resulting neurovascular compression. The most common complications are infection and postoperative hematoma. No adjuvant treatments have demonstrated efficacy against recurrence.

Peripheral denervation participates in heterotopic ossification in a spinal cord injury model

We previously reported the development of a new acquired neurogenic HO (NHO) mouse model, combining spinal cord transection (SCI) and chemical muscle injury. Pathological mechanisms responsible for ectopic osteogenesis after central neurological damage are still to be elucidated. In this study, we first hypothesized that peripheral nervous system (PNS) might convey pathological signals from injured spinal cord to muscles in NHO mouse model. Secondly, we sought to determine whether SCI could lead to intramuscular modifications of BMP2 signaling pathways. Twenty one C57Bl6 mice were included in this protocol. Bilateral cardiotoxin (CTX) injection in hamstring muscles was associated with a two-stage surgical procedure, combining thoracic SCI with unilateral peripheral denervation. Volumes of HO (Bone Volume, BV) were measured 28 days after surgery using micro-computed tomography imaging techniques and histological analyses were made to confirm intramuscular osteogenesis. Volume comparisons were conducted between right and left hind limb of each animal, using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to explore intra muscular expression of BMP2, Alk3 and Id1. Nineteen mice survive the complete SCI and peripheral denervation procedure. When CTX injections were done right after surgery (n = 7), bilateral HO were detected in all animals after 28 days. Micro-CT measurements showed significantly increased BV in denervated paws (1.47 mm3 +/- 0.5) compared to contralateral sides (0.56 mm3 +/-0.4), p = 0.03. When peripheral denervation and CTX injections were performed after sham SCI surgery (n = 6), bilateral HO were present in three mice at day 28. Quantitative PCR analyses showed no changes in intra muscular BMP2 expression after SCI as compared to control mice (shamSCI). Peripheral denervation can be reliably added to spinal cord transection in NHO mouse model. This new experimental design confirms that neuro inflammatory mechanisms induced by central or peripheral nervous system injury plays a key role in triggering ectopic osteogenesis.