The clinical implications of heterotopic ossification in patients treated with radial head replacement for trauma: A case series and review of the literature.

Bowman, Seth H; Barfield, William R; Slone, Harris S; Shealy, Gerald J; Walton, Zeke J · J Orthop · 2016

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is an acceptable treatment for comminuted radial head fractures (RHF). Fourteen patients with no postop HO prophylaxis were treated with RHA for comminuted RHF. A 50% incidence in HO was seen following RHA with a statistically increased risk (p ≤ 0.05) of reoperation compared to those without HO. Decreased ROM was seen on the affected side (p ≤ 0.05); patients without HO showed no statistical difference (p ≥ 0.05) in ROM or grip strength. HO following RHA increases patient risk for reoperation and decreases ROM. We recommend HO prophylaxis with NSAIDs and/or radiotherapy if no direct patient contraindications are found.

Anatomy