C C Hong1, N Nashi2, H W Hey2, Y H Chee2, D Murphy2. 1. University Orthopaedics, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore. Electronic address: choonchiet@gmail.com. 2. University Orthopaedics, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119228, Singapore.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication of elbow fracture surgery that can significantly impair function and range of motion (ROM). Whereas numerous studies have assessed HO after hip trauma or replacement surgery, few data have been reported on the prevalence and risk factors of HO after elbow fractures. HYPOTHESIS: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of clinically relevant HO after elbow fracture surgery under the hypothesis that the ability to identify high-risk patients would improve treatment tailoring and assist in meeting patient expectations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included consecutive patients who had surgery for elbow injuries between January 2007 and December 2011. Patient demographics, operative details, and radiographs were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 124 elbows in 122 patients, 38 (30.6%) had HO and 26 (21%) clinically relevant HO. The prevalence of clinically relevant HO was highest in floating elbow injury, followed by combined olecranon and radial head fractures, types A and B distal humerus fractures, and terrible triad injury. By multiple logistic regression, factors that independently predicted clinically relevant HO were fracture-dislocation (OR, 4.87; 95%CI, 1.78-13.29; P=0.002) and longer time to surgery (P<0.05). Of the 26 patients with clinically relevant HO, 6 (23%) eventually required revision elbow surgery to improve ROM. DISCUSSION: HO of the elbow occurred in almost one-third of our patients with surgically treated elbow fractures. Fracture-dislocation of the elbow and longer time to surgery independently predicted HO responsible for ROM loss. Clinically relevant HO was associated with significant morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study.
BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication of elbow fracture surgery that can significantly impair function and range of motion (ROM). Whereas numerous studies have assessed HO after hip trauma or replacement surgery, few data have been reported on the prevalence and risk factors of HO after elbow fractures. HYPOTHESIS: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of clinically relevant HO after elbow fracture surgery under the hypothesis that the ability to identify high-risk patients would improve treatment tailoring and assist in meeting patient expectations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included consecutive patients who had surgery for elbow injuries between January 2007 and December 2011. Patient demographics, operative details, and radiographs were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 124 elbows in 122 patients, 38 (30.6%) had HO and 26 (21%) clinically relevant HO. The prevalence of clinically relevant HO was highest in floating elbow injury, followed by combined olecranon and radial head fractures, types A and B distal humerus fractures, and terrible triad injury. By multiple logistic regression, factors that independently predicted clinically relevant HO were fracture-dislocation (OR, 4.87; 95%CI, 1.78-13.29; P=0.002) and longer time to surgery (P<0.05). Of the 26 patients with clinically relevant HO, 6 (23%) eventually required revision elbow surgery to improve ROM. DISCUSSION: HO of the elbow occurred in almost one-third of our patients with surgically treated elbow fractures. Fracture-dislocation of the elbow and longer time to surgery independently predicted HO responsible for ROM loss. Clinically relevant HO was associated with significant morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective study.
Authors: Onur Tunalı; Ali Erşen; Tuna Pehlivanoğlu; Serkan Bayram; Ata C Atalar; Mehmet Demirhan Journal: Int Orthop Date: 2018-02-01 Impact factor: 3.075
Authors: Femke M A P Claessen; Rens Bexkens; I F Kodde; Job N Doornberg; Michel P J V D Bekerom; Denise Eygendaal Journal: Arch Bone Jt Surg Date: 2020-01