Excision of heterotopic bone followed by irradiation after total hip arthroplasty

Twelve patients who had had a total hip arthroplasty had extensive excision of heterotopic bone, followed by prompt, low-dose irradiation, between 1983 and 1990. Volumes of as much as 900 milliliters of heterotopic bone tissue were resected. Of these patients, eleven had excellent relief of pain, and all twelve gained an average of 45 degrees of flexion and 25 degrees of abduction. Two patients had a recurrence of heterotopic bone (Brooker et al. class II); however, only one of these patients was symptomatic and had a result that was considered a failure.