Indometacin as prophylaxis for heterotopic ossification after the operative treatment of fractures of the acetabulum.

Abstract

Our study was designed to compare the effect of indometacin with that of a placebo in reducing the incidence of heterotopic ossification in a prospective, randomised trial. A total of 121 patients with displaced fractures of the acetabulum treated by operation through a Kocher-Langenbeck approach was randomised to receive either indometacin (75 mg) sustained release, or a placebo once daily for six weeks. The extent of heterotopic ossification was evaluated on plain radiographs three months after operation. Significant ossification of Brooker grade III to IV occurred in nine of 59 patients (15.2%) in the indometacin group and 12 of 62 (19.4%) receiving the placebo. We were unable to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of severe heterotopic ossification with the use of indometacin when compared with a placebo (p = 0.722). Based on these results we cannot recommend the routine use of indometacin for prophylaxis against heterotopic ossification after isolated fractures of the acetabulum.

• Authors: M A Karunakar, A Sen, M J Bosse, S H Sims, J A Goulet, J F Kellam
• Journal: The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume (J Bone Joint Surg Br) Vol. 88 Issue 12 Pg. 1613-7 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 0301-620X [Print] England
• PMID: 17159174 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Indomethacin

Topics

• Acetabulum (injuries)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (blood, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Fractures, Bone (surgery)
• Humans
• Indomethacin (blood, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Ossification, Heterotopic (etiology, prevention & control)
• Patient Compliance
• Postoperative Complications (prevention & control)
• Prospective Studies
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome