Functional Outcome Following Surgical Resection of Heterotopic Ossification in Patients with Brain Injury

Significant periarticular heterotopic ossification (HO) may occur following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This can result in profound functional loss of motion, disability, and pain. Thirty-three consecutive cases of surgical resection of heterotopic bone were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-four cases (11 hips, 10 elbows, 3 knees) were suitable for study. Clinical results demonstrated dramatic improvement in motion in all patients. Functional goals were achieved in 83.3% of patients and ambulatory level advancement occurred in 75% of suitable candidates. Subjective satisfaction with functional outcome was 91.3%. The overall radiographic recurrence rate was 23.8%, but only one (4.8%) was considered functionally significant. In summary, surgical excision of periarticular HO following TBI results in a significant improvement in functional range of motion, quality of life, independence, and social integration.