Abstract: Objective To investigate the imaging findings of early heterotopic ossification. Methods The imaging findings of 30 rehabilitation patients with heterotopic ossification were analyzed. Results The early heterotopic ossification performance of X-ray and CT showed articular soft tissue edema, and higher density. MR images showed different signal characteristics at different stages of heterotopic ossification. Immature bone performance the same or long T1 and T2 signal, enhanced scan showed the edge of the lace-like "strengthen". Conclusion Heterotopic ossification at different stages shows different imaging features. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best effective methods for the diagnosis of early ectopic ossification, X-ray and CT can be used for review.

Key words: heterotopic ossification, early diagnosis, radiology