Heterotopic Ossification after Arthroscopic Elbow Release

• Published in: Orthopaedic surgery 2020-10, Vol.12 (5), p.1471-1477
• Main Authors: Yang, Chao‐qun, Hu, Jun‐sheng, Xu, Jian‐guang, Lu, Jiu‐zhou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arthritis; Clinical; Elbow; Elbow arthroscopy; Fractures; Heterotopic ossification; Infections; Medical imaging; Patients; Risk factors; Sports injuries; Stiff elbow; Surgery; Surgical techniques; Trauma
• ISSN: 1757-7853; 1757-7861
• DOI: 10.1111/os.12801

Objectives To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of heterotopic ossification (HO) after arthroscopic elbow release. Methods The present study included 101 elbows, with arthroscopic release performed on 98 patients over the 5‐year period from November 2011 to December 2015. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1, with elbow arthritis, including 46 elbows in 43 patients; group 2, with posttraumatic extrinsic elbow stiffness (without intraarticular adhesion), including 23 elbows in 23 patients; and group 3, with intrinsic contractures (with intraarticular adhesion), including 32 elbows in 32 patients. Arthroscopic elbow release was performed under general anesthesia. For intrinsic stiffness, a radiofrequency device was applied to release intraarticular scar tissue and create work space, which was rarely necessary in groups 1 and 2. In the postoperative period, X‐rays and CT scans were assessed at follow up to determine if there was HO formation, which was diagnosed when new calcifications were identified. The functional recovery was evaluated by comparing the range of motion (ROM) and pain relief preoperativley and postoperatively in each group. Other complications were also assessed postoperatively. Results The patients’ mean age was 38.6 years (range, 12–66), with 57 males and 41 females. Mean follow‐up was 21 months (range, 4–56). The active ROM and Mayo elbow performance index (MEPS) were improved from 93° ± 8.3° to 126° ± 12.4° (P