[Value of a combined ossification prophylaxis with indomethacin and radiotherapy for acetabular fractures]. / Wertigkeit einer kombinierten Ossifikationsprophylaxe mit Indometacin und Bestrahlung bei Azetabulumfrakturen.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification is a complication in patients with surgically treated acetabular fractures. The incidence is related to the surgical approach (extended iliofemoral, posterior or a combined approach). The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of heterotopic ossification in patients with acetabular fractures who received a combined prophylaxis with both a single dose of radiation and indomethacin compared to those who received only a prophylaxis with radiation or indomethacin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients with a combined prophylaxis after surgery were examined retrospectively 24 months after trauma. A systematic literature review was performed and our own results were compared with different methods for prophylaxis of heterotopic ossification from the literature. RESULTS: Only one patient developed a heterotopic ossification. In accordance with the literature, combined prophylaxis showed the least incidence of ossification compared to the other methods. Differences in incidence frequencies were significant between the different prophylaxis methods. CONCLUSION: A combined prophylaxis for heterotopic ossification in surgically treated acetabular fractures seems to be a better alternative than a prophylaxis with radiation or indomethacin alone.