HO
Also written as: HO — Heterotopic Ossification
Abbreviation for Heterotopic Ossification; used in rehabilitation medicine notes, radiology reports, and complication logs.
Full Definition
HO is the clinical shorthand for heterotopic ossification, appearing frequently in TBI and SCI rehabilitation records, nursing notes, and radiological correspondence. Editors must ensure the abbreviation is defined at first use, as HO can also stand for 'house officer' or 'hold order' in general medical documentation. Its use should be limited to rehabilitation-specific documents where the referent is unambiguous. Always verify context before accepting HO as heterotopic ossification.
Usage
Usage note: Define on first use in any document also containing 'house officer' to avoid ambiguity.
In Context
- "The patient developed HO at the right elbow six weeks post-injury, limiting passive extension to 40 degrees." — Inpatient rehabilitation progress note
- "Serial alkaline phosphatase levels were monitored as a biochemical marker of HO activity." — Rehabilitation medicine investigation report