Clinical Effect of Surgical Treatment within 12 Months for Ankylosed Elbow Associated with Heterotopic Ossification / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Five patients presented with a limited range of motion in their elbow associated with heterotopic ossification. All of these patients underwent surgery within one year. Removal of heterotopic ossification and a posterior capsular release was performed within ten months on average after the initial injury. Each patient postoperatively received prophylaxis consisting of a single-shot radiation of 700 cGY and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for four weeks on average. With a median follow up period of 21 months, five patients had no radiographic evidence of recurrence. The arc of flexion-extension increased from an average of 64 degrees preoperatively to 133 degrees at the latest follow up. A 12- to 18-month period is generally recommended as necessary for an operation on an ankylosed elbow associated with heterotopic ossification. However, the operative treatment, together with radiation therapy and NSAIDs administration, showed good results within 12 months.