[Research progress of heterotopic ossification pathogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress of heterotopic ossification (HO) pathogenesis. METHODS: Recent articles about HO including the risk factors and pathogenesis were reviewed and comprehensively analyzed. RESULTS: The pathogenesis of HO is not completely understood, but the extracellular factors, signaling pathways, and transcription factors in the pathogenesis of HO are understood deeply, such as bone morphogenic protein, Smad signaling, and core binding factor alpha1/runt-related transcription factor 2, which are probably involved in HO. Furthermore, some related microRNAs are also probably involved in HO. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of HO should be further investigated so as to lay a foundation for preventing and treating HO.