FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING SURGICAL RESECTION OF HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN INJURY

Significant periarticular heterotopic ossification (HO) may occur foll owing traumatic brain injury (TBI). This can result in profound functi onal loss of motion, disability, and pain. Thirty-three consecutive ca ses of surgical resection of heterotopic bone were retrospectively rev iewed. Twenty-four cases (11 hips, 10 elbows, 3 knees) were suitable f or 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 candidate s. Subjective satisfaction with functional outcome was 91.3%. The over all radiographic recurrence rate was 23.8%, but only one (4.8%) was co nsidered functionally significant. In summary, surgical excision of pe riarticular HO following TBI results in a significant improvement in f unctional range of motion, quality of life, independence, and social i ntegration.