Mesenteric bones: Intra-abdominal heterotopic ossification

Intra-abdominal heterotopic ossification usually develops after abdominal surgery and can cause complications such as bowel obstruction and even intestinal perforation. Bisphosphonates, NSAIDs and even local radiation is used as prophylaxis or treatment. Surgeons must consider heterotopic ossification and its complications as a differential when managing complex polytrauma patients with suspicious radiographic densities.