ObjectiveTo review and evaluate the research progress of traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO). Methods The domestic and foreign related research literature on traumatic HO was widely consulted, and its etiology, pathogenesis, pathological progress, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment were summarized. Results Traumatic HO is often caused by severe trauma such as joint operation, explosion injury, nerve injury, and burn. At present, it is widely believed that the occurrence of traumatic HO is closely related to inflammation and hypoxia. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery are the main methods to prevent and treat traumatic HO. Conclusion Nowadays, the pathogenesis of traumatic HO is still unclear, the efficiency of relevant prevention and treatment measures is low, and there is a lack of specific treatment method. In the future, it is necessary to further study the pathogenesis of traumatic HO and find specific prevention and treatment targets.