title: Current therapy in the management of heterotopic ossification of the elbow: a review with case studies.
abstract: Heterotopic ossification, or the appearance of ectopic bone in para-articular soft tissues after surgery, immobilization, or trauma, complicates the surgical and physiatric management of injured joints. The chief symptoms of heterotopic ossification are joint and muscle pain and a compromised range of motion. Current therapies for prevention or treatment of heterotopic ossification include surgery, physical therapy, radiation therapy, and medical management. Unlike heterotopic ossification of the hip, heterotopic ossification of the elbow has not been extensively investigated, leaving its optimal management ill-defined. To remedy this deficiency, we review risk factors, clinical anatomy, physical findings, proposed mechanisms, and current practice for treatment and prevention of heterotopic ossification. We then consider and draw conclusions from four cases of elbow injury treated at our institutions (three complicated by heterotopic ossification) in which treatment included surgery, radiation therapy, physical therapy, and medical therapy. We summarize our institutional practices and conclude with a call for a randomized clinical trial to better define optimal management of heterotopic ossification of the elbow.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell Campus, New York 10021, USA.
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Ellerin
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Helfet
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parikh
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Hotchkiss
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nisce
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nori
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moni
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal