Abstract
We have evaluated by a comparative study the clinical usefulness of EHDP for heterotopic ossification (HO) following total hip replacement. The subjects were 29 patients with osteoarthritis or fracture of the femoral neck whose hips were replaced by artificial joints. A total of 14 received 600-1000mg EHDP once a day between meals from the day of surgery for 12 weeks, and 15 did not receive it.
In postoperative roentogenographic findings, HO was seen in 4 patients, or 28.6% (Grade 1 HO; 3 patients, Grade 2 HO; 1 patient) of those who received EHDP compared with in 6 patients or 40% (Grade 1 HO; 2 patients, Grade 2 HO; 4 patients) of those who did not. Thus EHDP appeared to suppress development of HO more than EHDP did. There were no particular differences between the EHDP group and the non-EHDP group in range of motion, ability of walking, pain, swelling, fever, redness or in bone density of the lumber spine. From these results it is concluded that EHDP may be an effective drug for suppressing HO following total hip replacement, but further study is necessary for statistically establishing its clinical usefulness.
