Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the conversion of soft tissues into bone. It often occurs after injury or surgery in a predisposed person. Brain and spinal cord injuries can cause extensive HO even without local tissue trauma. It is the most common complication after hip arthroscopy in Dr. Prasad Gourineni's experience. Persistent or recurrent pain and loss of motion are the primary complaints. HO after most hip surgery develops in the gluteus minimus and iliocapsularis muscles, and appears to be related to extensive arthroscopic bone shaving and acetabular osteotomies.
Treatment
Symptomatic HO can be excised. Waiting for maturation — as is sometimes practised at the elbow — is not necessary at the hip. Once the extent of the HO is clearly visible on imaging and the patient wishes excision, surgery is performed.
Recurrence Prevention
Immediate post-operative radiation or indomethacin for 6 weeks is recommended to prevent recurrence after excision.
