[Retrospective study of heterotopic ossification with and without prophylactic indomethacin therapy]

The authors evaluate the problem of heterotopic ossifications as a complication of total endoprostheses of the hip joint. The classification into stages as elaborated by Arcque was used and compared with the clinical correlate. The authors compared the year 1989 when the total number of prostheses was 150 without prophylaxis of ossifications, with the year 1992 when the total number of endoprostheses was 200 with prophylaxis. In 94% of the patients starting on the second day after surgery to the 21st postoperative day 2 x 50 mg Indomethacin (2 x 1 capsule Indocin forte) were administered. As a gastroprotective drug the patients were given Ranitidine, 2 x 150 mg (2 x film tablets Zantac 150). Complications such as gastrointestinal complaints and skin exanthemas were observed only in 6 patients. Prophylaxis of thromboembolic disease was used in 1992 in 65% of the patients by anticoagulants and in 35% of the patients by administration of low-molecular heparin. This procedure proved a very simple, effective and safe method for prevention of para-articular ossifications: [table: see text]