Five patients with a palpable mass at presentation underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The final diagnosis was myositis ossificans (MO). MR imaging features, particularly after injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine, mimicked those of an inflammatory mass or neoplasm. The lesions were excised in three patients, and the Images were correlated with histologic findings. Three different appearances were noted on MR images, corresponding to the stages of maturation of MO. Two cases Involved early‐stage lesions, and Tl‐weighted MR images showed a mass with homogeneous intermediate signal intensity. Both lesions showed rim enhancement after contrast agent injection and high signal intensity on T2‐weighted images. Pathologic specimens demonstrated stroma with masses of spindle cells in which osteoid production was interspersed. The enhanced rim of the lesion mimicked the expected MR appearance of an abscess or necrotic tumor. Areas of enhancement in adjacent muscle were also seen on postcontrast T1‐weighted images. Intermediate‐stage MO was present in one case; there was evidence of a thin rim of calcification on plain radiographs and fatty changes in the lesion on T1‐weighted Images, corresponding with histologic findings. One case of a mature lesion showed a considerable degree of peripheral calcification both on MR images and at histology. MR imaging is nonspecific in the diagnosis of early‐stage MO.