Traumatic Myositis Ossificans As a Result of College Fraternity Hazing

Abstract

We present a case of a 20-year-old college student who had myositis ossificans traumatica develop after a fraternity hazing. The patient was struck repeatedly on both of his thighs while standing at attention, and he presented with bilateral thigh pain and stiffness 6 weeks after the incident. Physical examination revealed 130 degrees flexion of his right knee and 50 degrees flexion of his left knee, which had a firm end point. Radiographs showed extensive new bone located adjacent to the anterior and lateral aspects of his left femur with less involvement of his right thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed considerable edema involving much of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis of both thighs. The patient was treated with physical therapy and indomethacin for pain and inflammation control. At his 1.5-year followup, the patient's left knee flexion had improved to 130 degrees . Nonoperative treatment with careful followup resulted in a favorable outcome in this patient despite considerable formation of bilateral thigh myositis ossificans traumatica.