[Prevention of ossification after total hip endoprosthesis with indomethacin and its effect on gastric mucosa]

The administration of indomethacin as a prophylactic against heterotopic ossification following the implantation of total hip-joint endoprosteses entails the risk of gastrointestinal side-effects. A prospective randomized study set out to determine the effectiveness of ranitidine and sucralfate as a secondary treatment for the protection of the stomach. Comparison with a placebo group monitored at the same time confirmed the efficacy of both medicaments. Both ranitidine (2 x 150 mg) and sucralfate (4 x 1 g) were able to prevent the occurrence of ulcers of the mucous membrane of both stomach and duodenum. Thanks to postoperative prophylactic treatment with indomethacin (2 x 50 mg for 3 weeks), there were no serious ossifications (degree II or III according to Arqu).