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. 2016 Jun 28;13(4):272-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2016.06.011. eCollection 2016 Dec.

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

Seth H Bowman  1 , William R Barfield  1 , Harris S Slone  1 , Gerald J Shealy  1 , Zeke J Walton  1
Affiliations

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

Seth H Bowman et al. J Orthop. .

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.

Keywords: Elbow heterotopic ossification; Heterotopic ossification (HO); Proximal radius fracture; Radial head; Radial head arthroplasty; Radial head fracture; Radial head replacement.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Preop injury films showing severely comminuted radial head fracture.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Postop films showing significant HO post RHA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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