Avoiding and Treating Heterotopic Ossification After Total Hip Arthroplasty

The occurrence of heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty has been reported between 2% and 90% and depends on the risk factors associated with the patient population being reported. Risk factors such as male gender, operative approach, patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, previous hip operations, or traumatic injury have all been reported. Preventive measures can be implemented using oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, or radiation treatment in higher risk individuals. Once HO has started to form, there are no treatment modalities that will halt its progression. If severe HO results that significantly hampers patient function, then excision may be considered with planned measures to prevent recurrence.