ARTHROSCOPIC INTERVENTION, COUPLED WITH HIGH-DOSE INDOMETHACIN: AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO MANAGE HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION (HO)
Crucial to consider HO, an uncommon complication after shoulder arthroscopy, in patients with post-surgery stiffness and pain
INDOCAPPUBLICATIONSORTHOPAEDICS
A case report of heterotopic ossification (HO) complicating rotator cuff repair, along with details of the surgical treatment and subsequent progression is presented.
Despite initial improvements, a 45-year-old man who had undergone a rotator cuff arthroscopic repair of his left shoulder at Kassab National Institute of Orthopaedics in Tunisia, developed intense pain and stiffness of the operated shoulder. X-rays revealed an extensive HO.
Surgical revision and excision of the ossification, followed by high-dose indomethacin (150 mg per day for two months) in combination with proton pump inhibitors, to protect the gastrointestinal tract, and specialized physiotherapy, resulted in remarkable improvement in shoulder function.
Physical examination three months after surgery showed remarkable improvement, the patient had regained complete active and passive range of motion of his left shoulder. He was able to resume his professional activity as a plumber. X-rays revealed no recurrence of HO.