Heterotopic Ossification from a hamstring injury Causes sciatic nerve pain

Are you experiencing persistent buttock and sciatic nerve pain months after a hamstring tendon rupture? While the sciatic nerve can be scarred after a tendon injury, in some cases bone will form around the nerve and hamstring tendon, causing severe nerve pain. 

This complex condition involves the abnormal formation of bone, known as heterotopic ossification (HO), in your soft tissues and can develop after muscle injuries, such as a hamstring rupture.

In Houston, Texas, our board-certified surgeon, Anthony Echo, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating complex cases where sciatic nerve pain results from unusual causes, like heterotopic ossification. 

Dr. Echo has extensive experience in microsurgery and nerve surgery and collaborates closely with an orthopedic surgery team to address these intricate situations. 

Our approach means every patient receives comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs, combining advanced surgical techniques with meticulous attention to nerve health.

If you’re struggling with persistent hamstring pain and nerve pain, take a moment to learn how heterotopic ossification can lead to these symptoms and how our team tackles your sciatica pain so you can reclaim your quality of life.  

What is heterotopic ossification, and how does it cause sciatica?

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is an unusual condition that causes bone to form in places where it usually doesn’t exist, often within muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues. 

This abnormal bone growth can occur after an injury, surgery, or even spontaneously, without an apparent cause.

Your body's healing processes can go awry after a severe muscle injury, such as a hamstring rupture, which can lead to the formation of bone around other structures like nerves.

What happens if HO affects my sciatic nerve?

When HO develops after a trauma, like a hamstring rupture, the healing process may mistakenly trigger bone formation instead of merely repairing the muscle fibers and soft tissue. 

This bone, also called an “ectopic bone,” can form along your sciatic nerve’s pathway, compressing or irritating the nerve itself. The resulting condition is not only painful but can also disrupt nerve function, leading to symptoms of sciatica.

These sciatica symptoms often include persistent and intense pain that radiates from your buttock down through your leg, commonly reaching as far as your calf or foot. 

Sufferers may also experience numbness, tingling sensations, or even weakness in the affected leg and foot, which can make everyday activities difficult and severely affect quality of life.

Understanding the exact relationship between heterotopic ossification and the sciatic nerve is key to getting effective treatment because HO-related sciatica symptoms can closely resemble those caused by more common spinal issues, like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. 

It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis to ensure that your treatment addresses the actual cause of your sciatica rather than simply easing symptoms temporarily without resolving the underlying issue.

How is HO diagnosed and treated?

At Anthony Echo, MD, we use the latest diagnostic technologies, including MRI and CT scans, to determine if HO is causing your symptoms. 

The detailed images help us understand the relationship between any newly formed bone and your sciatic nerve so that we can recommend the best treatment and determine whether surgery is needed. 

When heterotopic ossification causes sciatica, surgery to remove the ectopic bone is often necessary to relieve nerve compression. Dr. Echo performs this delicate procedure using microsurgery techniques that ensure precision and protect the nerve's integrity. 

This surgery often involves collaboration with orthopedic specialists to simultaneously address any associated muscle or tendon issues. Choosing the right surgical team for heterotopic ossification-related sciatica is crucial for effective treatment. 

Dr. Echo’s expertise in microsurgery and collaborative approach with orthopedic surgeons ensure that both bone removal and any necessary muscle and nerve repairs are conducted with the highest standards of care. 

If you’re struggling with sciatica and suspect heterotopic ossification, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Contact Anthony Echo, MD, today to schedule a consultation online or over the phone.