The use of indometacin to prevent heterotopic ossification in a patient with acetabular fracture: a case report

Abstract

Objective: To show the good results of prophylaxis for heterotopic ossification and to raise interest for the maintenance of the use of Indomethacin and other drugs already well established as prophylactic, so that patients have a better postoperative recovery and better long-term postoperative results.  Case details: A 39-year-old black male patient, victim of a car accident, with a fracture-dislocation of the right acetabulum. He was submitted to osteosynthesis of the acetabulum after open reduction. Due to the risk factors described in the literature and to the unsatisfactory results previously obtained by the surgical team, a prophylactic treatment for heterotopic ossification (HO) with Indomethacin, at a dose recommended in the literature, was chosen. After using it for the proposed time, the result was satisfactory and without evolution to HO. Final considerations: A good experience with the use of Indomethacin was obtained; the patient evolved well, with no side effects and reached the expected objective: no HO, no ROM restriction and an excellent postoperative result, despite the risk factors.