Heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint in a child: Successful surgical resection - A case report

BackgroundThis case report describes the occurrence of a rare heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint in a child, caused by inappropriate movement after trauma. A successful operation to remove heterotopic ossification was described in the report with satisfactory results.Case presentationA 7-year-old boy suffered a supracondylar fracture of the humerus after an accidental fall, and after immobilization with a cast, improper movement resulted in heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint, which severely affected joint function. The heterotopic ossification was surgically removed and a complete recovery was demonstrated at 18 months follow-up. The heterotopic ossification was successfully removed with good elbow function and no recurrence at 18 months follow-up.ConclusionsThe purpose of this report is to show the good results with surgical treatment of heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint in children,when conservative treatment does not work.