Shehab et al listed criteria for when to surgically remove a focus of heterotopic ossification. These can help identify a patient at low risk for surgical complications and postoperative recurrence. The authors are from Kuwait University.
Criteria for surgical removal of a focus of heterotopic ossification:
(1) range of motion in the adjacent joint is significantly limited
(2) clinical findings of acute heterotopic ossification are absent (no local inflammation, erythema or swelling)
(3) serum alkaline phosphatase normal
(4) sequential bone scan shows normal or near normal bone activity
An important goal of surgery is to prevent joint ankylosis.
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