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Study: Heterotopic ossification common after reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Recently published results showed patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty commonly experienced heterotopic ossification of the long head of the triceps tendon.
Researchers noted patient demographics, implant types and diagnoses in 164 patients who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty between 2008 and 2012. Using a novel grading system that measured the size of any heterotopic ossification (HO) within the region of the long head of the triceps, postoperative Grashey radiographs were independently evaluated by three fellowship-trained shoulder/elbow surgeons.
Results showed an overall HO rate of 61.6% in the long head of the triceps tendon. Among patients with osteophytes, researchers noted impinging in 23.3%; notching in 14.6%; 14% were free-floating; and 3% appeared ankylosed. Researchers found a higher rate of heterotopic ossification among patients who underwent revision surgery vs. primary surgery (68.3% vs. 59.4%). However, this was not statistically significant.
Results also showed no difference in the HO rate between diagnoses or implant types, but men had a higher HO rate compared with women (74% vs. 56.1%). Patients with HO had a forward elevation of 121° and an external rotation of 19° compared with 133° of forward elevation and 25° of external rotation among patients without HO. However, motion was not significantly affected by HO size, according to results. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.