Denouement and Discussion
Myositis Ossificans Progressiva
Manifestations
Myositis ossificans progressiva is a disorder of connective tissue characterized by progressive ossification of striated muscle. The onset usually occurs before the age of 10 years and often before the age of 2. First noted is local swelling, heat, and pain which are usually situated in the paravertebral area, shoulders, and arms. A low grade fever may occur at the same time. The swelling slowly disappears, leaving in many cases a small, firm region of muscle which calcifies and eventually becomes bone. Subsequently, additional swellings develop, each increasing the area of bony deposits.The bony tumors are at first small and confined to muscles. Later, they coalesce and attach to the bones of the skeleton so as to cause a limitation of movement of the involved area. The neck and scapulae are the first to be immobilized, the spine then becomes rigid, and