Severe Heterotopic Ossification After Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur: A Case Report and a Review of Literature

Junyan Lin; Aiguo Li

doi:10.54097/nfwdm447

Authors

Junyan Lin
Aiguo Li

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/nfwdm447

Keywords:

Intertrochanteric Fracture, Antirotation Proximal Femoral Intramedullary Nailing, Heterotopic Ossification, Case Report

Abstract

The global aging population has led to an increasing prevalence of osteoporosiswhich has contributed to a high incidence of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Intramedullary nail fixation is now a widely adopted treatment method for these fractures. Numerous studies published in the academic literature about heterotopic ossification following total hip arthroplasty. However, there is an extreme scarcity of literature regarding heterotopic ossification (HO) following intramedullary nail fixation after intertrochanteric femoral fractures, a phenomenon that warrants further investigation in the field of orthopedic trauma surgery. This case report delineates the clinical course of a 78-year-old male with a left hip intertrochanteric fracture, managed with intramedullary nailing for internal fixation and postoperative oral NSAID. Three months postoperatively, the patient fell again, but diagnostic evaluations did not reveal any significant abnormalities. Administer oral NSAIDs for analgesic treatment to the patient again. Within a few months post-discharge, the hip joint gradually became stiff, leading to functional limitations, and severe ectopic ossification ensued. The patient's joint stiffness was successfully resolved through surgical resection of the ectopic bone. In fracture patients presenting with risk factors such as osteoporosis, a history of recurrent falls, and male sex, heightened vigilance is imperative for the prevention, and intervention of heterotopic ossification.

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