title: Excision and radiotherapy for heterotopic ossification of the elbow.
abstract: Radiotherapy has a well-defined role in prophylaxis of recurrent heterotopic ossification of the hip, but has been described infrequently in other situations. This article reports the use of excision and low-dose external beam radiotherapy in three patients with heterotopic ossification of the elbow treated between February 1995 and September 1996. Radiotherapy was delivered in a single fraction of 7-8 Gy within 48 hours postoperatively using opposed anteroposterior portals. After a median follow-up of 10.5 months, all three patients demonstrated a significant increase in range of motion without any evidence of recurrence. These results indicate adjuvant postexcision radiotherapy may be used for prophylaxis of recurrent heterotopic ossification of the elbow.
authors.affiliation: Naval Branch Medical Clinic, Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Santa Ana, Calif, USA.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Poggi
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Johnstone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention