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. 2016 Jun;4(3):228-30.

Progression of Heterotopic Ossification around the Elbow after Trauma

Dirk P Ter Meulen  1 , Sjoerd P F T Nota  1 , Michiel G J S Hageman  1 , David C Ring  1
Affiliations

Progression of Heterotopic Ossification around the Elbow after Trauma

Dirk P Ter Meulen et al. Arch Bone Jt Surg. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Background: This study addresses the null hypothesis that there is no expansion of heterotopic ossification (HO) in the elbow beyond what can be seen early on.

Methods: The area of HO was measured on lateral radiographs of 38 consecutive patients that had operative treatment of HO between 2000 and 2013. Measurements from radiographs obtained between 3 to 7 weeks were compared to measurements from radiographs made 3 months or more after injury.

Results: There was no significant difference between the average area of HO on the first (median 2.8 square centimeters, Q1: 1.5, Q3: 5.1) and later radiographs (median of 2.8 square centimeters, Q1: 1.4, Q3: 5.0) (P = 0.99).

Conclusion: According to our results the area of HO does not expand beyond what can be seen early in the disease process.

Keywords: Disease progression; Elbow; Heterotopic; Injuries; Ossification.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lateral radiographs a few weeks (A) and several months (B) after open reduction and internal fixation of an olecranon fracture-dislocation shows little change in the area of heterotopic ossification.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Lateral radiographs a few weeks (A) and several months (B) after operative treatment of a terrible triad fracture-dislocation shows little change in the area of heterotopic ossification.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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