Excision and radiotherapy for heterotopic ossification of the elbow

Radiotherapy has a well-defined role in prophylaxis of recurrent heterotopi c ossification of the hip, but has been described infrequently in other sit uations. This article reports the use of excision and low-dose external bea m radiotherapy in three patients with heterotopic ossification of the elbow treated between February 1995 and September 1996. Radiotherapy was deliver ed in a single fraction of 7-8 Cy within 48 hours post-operatively using op posed anteroposterior portals. After a median follow-up of 10.5 months, all three patients demonstrated a significant increase in range of motion with out any evidence of recurrence. These results indicate adjuvant postexcisio n radiotherapy may be used for prophylaxis of recurrent heterotopic ossific ation of the elbow.