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First Report of Major Problem After Mini-Incision for Hip Replacement

Debate continues over a new way of doing total hip replacements (THRs). Minimally invasive THR uses two small incisions instead of one long cut. Previous studies report the pros and cons of this method. This report is a case study of one patient who developed heterotopic ossification (HO) after a mini-incision was used to replace her hip.

HO is the name given when bone grows outside of its usual location. In this case the bone grew in the muscles around the hip joint. The woman lost full hip motion and developed pain. An X-ray was used to make the diagnosis.

The patient didn't have any of the usual risk factors for HO. The authors of this case report say there may be more trauma linked with the minimally invasive operation than previously thought. The development of HO may be the first sign of a new complication with minimally invasive THR.

References: Jeffrey S. Feinblatt, MD, et al. Severe Symptomatic Heterotopic Ossification and Dislocation: A Complication After Two-Incision Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty. In The Journal of Arthroplasty. September 2005. Vol. 20. No. 6. Pp. 802-806.

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