A Single Dose does Matter! An Interesting Case of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Heterotopic Ossification of the Bilateral Hip: A Clinical Case Report

Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is the formation of mature, lamellar bone in soft tissues where bone does not normally exist. HO is commonly seen following trauma or surgical intervention in periarticular soft tissue and is commonly associated with injury to the hip. The three primary causes can be classified into traumatic, neurogenic, and inheritable etiologies. Radiotherapy inhibits osteoprogenitor cell proliferation, hence its use as a prophylactic treatment to prevent the further development of calcifications. Radiation Therapy (RT) can also be used as adjuvant therapy after excision of the excessive bone. Here is an interesting case of a 20-year-old gentleman with bilateral hip heterotopic ossification. Adjuvant or postoperative administration of radiotherapy using a 10 Gy single dose delivered within 24 hours to 48 hours is effective and safe as a prophylactic treatment option to prevent further development of HO. Radiation therapy, along with surgery, helped improve the range of motion.