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Heterotopic ossification associated with knee dislocation
James P Stannard1, Timothy C Wilson, Todd M Sheils
1Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-3295, USA. James.Stannard@ortho.uab.edu
Summary
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is common after knee dislocation, affecting 26% of cases. Severe HO occurred in 12%, leading to increased arthrofibrosis and reduced knee flexion.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Care
- Radiology
Background:
- Knee dislocations are severe injuries often resulting from high-energy trauma.
- Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of new bone in soft tissues, a potential complication after trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of heterotopic ossification (HO) following knee dislocation.
- To classify the severity and location of HO after knee dislocation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical evaluation and retrospective chart review of 57 knees in 55 patients with knee dislocations.
- Radiographic review to document incidence and degree of HO (0-4 scale).
Main Results:
- HO developed in 26% of knee dislocations (15 of 57 knees).
- Severe HO (grade 3 or 4) occurred in 12% of cases.
- Severe HO was associated with increased arthrofibrosis and borderline significant reduction in knee flexion.
Conclusions:
- Heterotopic ossification is a common complication following knee dislocation.
- Medial and posterior aspects of the knee are most frequently affected by HO.
- HO severity did not correlate with head injury or periarticular fractures.