[RESEARCH PROGRESS OF HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION OF ELBOW JOINT AFTER TRAUMA]

Abstract

Objective: To summarize the research progress of heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint after trauma.

Methods: The recent domestic and foreign literature concerning heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint after trauma was analysed and summarized.

Results: The mechanism of heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint after trauma is mainly related to bone morphogenetic protein signal transduction disorder. Now there are many treatments of heterotopic ossification, including non-surgical treatment, prevention, and surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment and prevention mainly aim at patients who have no elbow heterotopic ossification or who have mild limited elbow motion because of elbow heterotopic ossification after trauma, including drug therapy, radiation therapy, Chinese medicine therapy, and rehabilitation treatment. For patients with invalid non-surgical treatment, choosing surgical treatment is a must. Surgical treatment includes surgical resection, arthroscopic resection, and joint replacement, priority should be given first to surgical resection.

Conclusion: Heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint is common and there is not a recognized standard treatment, comprehensive use of non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment is the future direction.