Heterotopic ossification in a soft tissue free flap vascular pedicle: a case report

Abstract

To our knowledge this is the first described case of HO of the pedicle of a RAFF, and the first description of HO after cleft palate reconstruction. We speculate that inflammatory stimulus related to an emergent operation to arrest postoperative haemorrhage may have contributed to this unusual complication. This case sheds further light on both the pathophysiological mechanisms of HO development, as well as broadens the clinical setting where HO can be encountered.