Reduction in utilization of radiation for heterotopic ossification prophylaxis following acetabular surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
retrospective_cohort · Level III
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 42171790.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1007/s00590-026-04764-4.
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Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is common following acetabular surgery. Evidence comparing external beam radiation (XRT) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for HO prophylaxis remains conflicting. This study evaluated changes in XRT utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared the efficacy of XRT versus NSAIDs. A retrospective review was conducted of 180 patients undergoing open acetabular fracture fixation at a level 1 trauma center from 2018 to 2021. High-risk patients received XRT or indomethacin if XRT was declined. Outcomes included prophylaxis method, severe (Brooker 3 or 4) HO, and HO resection. XRT utilization decreased significantly during the pandemic (74.3% vs. 28.0%, P < 0.001). While severe HO rates remained similar (7.1% with XRT and 9.9% with NSAIDs) (P = 0.498), the only three HO resections were in the NSAIDs cohort. Despite reduced XRT use during COVID-19, HO outcomes were unchanged, suggesting both XRT and NSAIDs are effective prophylaxis options.
Medical subject headings
- Ossification, Heterotopic
- COVID-19
- Acetabulum
- Fractures, Bone
- Postoperative Complications