Osteonecrosis after treatment for heterotopic ossification in spinal cord injury with the combination of surgery, irradiation, and an NSAID

Case report. Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication in spinal cord injury (SCI) that is often difficult to treat. Although surgery may become necessary, operative resection has been associated with complications and poor outcome due to a high recurrence rate. Additional methods of treatment to reduce the recurrence rate have been developed, including post operative irradiation and NSAIDs. This article presents three patients, who developed an osteonecrosis of the femoral head after the combined treatment for HO of surgery, irradiation, and an NSAID.