J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2015 Feb;50(1):66-70. 10.4055/jkoa.2015.50.1.66.

Heterotopic Ossification of the Elbow after Medial Epicondylectomy

• Ha JH
• Gong HS
• Baek GH

• KMID: 2106741
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2015.50.1.66

Abstract

Postoperative heterotopic ossification of the elbow after surgery for treatment of acute trauma such as fractures and ligament/tendon ruptures has been well-documented. However, literature concerning heterotopic ossification after medial epicondylectomy is scarce. We report on two cases of heterotopic ossification that occurred following medial epicondylectomy for medial epicondylitis and for cubital tunnel syndrome. Preoperatively, calcifications around the medial epicondyle were observed in both patients. These cases suggest that medial epicondylectomy, in the presence of pre-existing calcifications, may pose an increased risk of postoperative heterotopic ossification of the elbow.

Keyword

heterotopic ossification; medial epicondylectomy; medial epicondylitis; cubital tunnel syndrome

MeSH Terms

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Elbow*
Humans
Ossification, Heterotopic*
Rupture

Figure

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  Figure 1 Case 1. An initial outside preoperative radiograph showed only mild calcification at the medial epicondyle.

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  Figure 2 After medial epicondylectomy, the immediate postoperative radiograph did not show any abnormal findings.

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  Figure 3 Seven months after the operation, the radiograph showed prominent heterotopic ossification of the elbow.

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  Figure 4 Computed tomography scans further revealed heterotopic ossification at the medial epicondyle, trochlea, posterior portion of the capitellum and olecranon.

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  Figure 5 One year postoperatively, no evidence of heterotopic ossification was observed on the follow-up radiograph.

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  Figure 6 Case 2. An initial outside preoperative radiograph showed mild calcification at the medial epicondyle.

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  Figure 7 One year after medial epicondylectomy, the patient showed heterotopic ossification at the medial and posterior sides of the elbow.

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