On-line version ISSN 2309-8309
SA orthop. j. vol.8 n.2 Pretoria Jan. 2009
GM SibotoI; SJL RocheI; J WaltersII
IFC(Orthop)SA, Orthopaedic surgeon; Groote Schuur Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
IIFC(Orthop)SA, Professor and Head of Orthopaedics; Groote Schuur Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
Heterotopic ossification (HO) that complicates acetabular fractures is initiated at the time of injury.19 We hypothesised that indomethacin medication commenced prior to surgery and within the first week following injury would be more effective than post-operative use alone. Over a four-year period 184 consecutive patients with significantly displaced acetabular fractures scheduled for acetabular reconstructive surgery were included in the study.
Fifty-seven patients received indomethacin post-operatively only (Group 1), 95 pre- and post-operatively (Group 2), and 19 received no treatment for various reasons including intolerance of NSAIDs(Group 3). Three patients died and ten were lost to follow-up.
Standard AP radiographs were reviewed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post-op and were grading as per Brooker on the 3-month follow-up radiograph.
The mean Brooker values for Group 1 = 0.70; Group 2 = 0.33; Group 3 = 1.57. A statistical analysis of the p-values for Group 1 compared to Group 2 = 0.04; Group 1 to Group 3 = 0.002; Group 2 to Group 3 = 0.000006.
Associated injury was the only parameter that correlated with increasing heterotopic ossification, while age, sex, approach and fracture type had no influence.
This study confirms that indomethacin reduces the incidence and severity of HO in acetabular fracture surgery and is more effective if started pre-operatively.
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The content of this article and the preparation of this article is the sole work of the authors. In the absence of GS, HSR and JW are prepared to discuss the article in detail. No financial assistance was or will be received for the preparation of this paper and no benefit will be derived from any commercial party.