Prevention of heterotopic ossification in hip arthroplasty - The influenceof the duration of treatment

A retrospective study has been carried out to assess the effectiveness of i ndomethacin in preventing heterotopic ossification after total hip arthropl asty, and the effect of using it for different periods of time. One hundred and sixty-eight hips operated on in 1983 were not given indomethacin and a cted as a control. One hundred and fifty hips operated on in 1988 were give n indomethacin and divided into 3 groups: 42 received indomethacin for 5 da ys, 49 for 11 days and 59 for 45 days. The results indicate that ossificati on is significantly reduced in those patients receiving indomethacin for 5 and 11 days, but there was no additional reduction when it was given for 45 days. Treatment should begin on the night of operation and continued for 1 1 days while the patient remains in hospital.