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Symptomatic heterotopic ossification following total knee arthroplasty
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Heterotopic ossification after total knee arthroplasty can cause persistent pain. Surgical excision was required to relieve symptoms in this unique case of bone formation adhering to the femur.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Bone biology
- Arthroplasty research
Background:
- Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a rare complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- HO in TKAs is typically asymptomatic or self-limiting.
- Previous reports have not documented persistent, symptomatic HO requiring intervention.
Observation:
- A TKA patient presented with persistent pain and a snapping sensation.
- The symptoms were attributed to HO adhering to the distal femoral cortex.
Findings:
- This case is the first to document HO causing persistent pain and mechanical symptoms post-TKA.
- Surgical excision of the heterotopic bone successfully relieved the patient's symptoms.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but significant complication of TKA.
- Suggests surgical intervention may be necessary for symptomatic HO.
- Informs orthopedic surgeons about potential causes of persistent post-TKA pain.