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Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 7/2023

17-02-2023 | Up-to date Review and Case Report

Heterotopic ossification in the knee following retrograde nailing of a femur fracture

Authors: Arun C. Nadar, David Seligson

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 7/2023

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Abstract

Background

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathologic bone formation in extra skeletal tissue and articular space. This was an objection to nailing of femur fractures across the knee; however, this has not been the case in many thousands of cases. Nonetheless, we present a patient in who placement of a retrograde nail resulted in calcification in the knee requiring excision.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old male presented to the clinic complaining of pain, popping, clicking, and mocking in the right knee, especially in the patellar region. Nine months prior he suffered an ipsilateral femur fracture that was treated with a retrograde intramedullary nail. X-ray and CT scan were used to confirm the presentation of a heterotopic bone mass in the Hoffa area of the right knee. The patient underwent an arthrotomy for excision of the bone mass. The bone mass was excised, but bone in the ACL was not removed. The patient experienced pain relief and improved range of motion following excision.

Conclusion

Intraarticular heterotopic ossification is an infrequent event. We present a case of heterotopic ossification in the knee following retrograde nailing. The patient experienced improved symptoms and range of motion after excision of the intraarticular heterotopic bone mass.
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Metadata
Title
Heterotopic ossification in the knee following retrograde nailing of a femur fracture
Authors
Arun C. Nadar
David Seligson
Publication date
17-02-2023
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 7/2023
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-023-03491-4

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