Symptomatic heterotopic ossification following total knee arthroplasty

Heterotopic ossification has been reported to occur in less than 10% of total knee arthroplasties. When this condition has occurred, it has previously been reported either to be asymptomatic or to cause discomfort that resolves with the passage of time. This case report is the first to note persistent pain and snapping due to heterotopic ossification adherent to the distal femoral cortex that required surgical excision to relieve symptoms after total knee arthroplasty.