The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree of improvement in the range of movement in the knee joint, sitting ability, and overall ambulation in patients with heterotopic ossification of the knee joint who underwent surgical excision of ectopic bone. Between 1999 and 2006, 14 patients (23 joints) with significant heterotopic ossification of the knee joint that required surgery were evaluated. We compared the range of movement in the knee joint, sitting ability, and overall ambulation in the preoperative and postoperative periods using the Fuller and Keenan classification systems. Range of movement increased in 82% of cases (19 knee joints). Sitting ability improved in 13 patients (93%). Postoperatively, ambulation in eight patients (57%) was remarkably superior. In conclusion, resection of heterotopic ossification may significantly improve the range of movement in the knee joint, sitting ability, and overall ambulation.
Le but de l’étude était d’évaluer l’amélioration de la mobilité, la capacité de s’asseoir et les capacités de déambulation après excision chirugicale des ossifications hétérotopiques du genou survenues après séjour en réanimation. Quatorze patients (23 genoux) opérés entre 1999 et 2006 sont étudiés en utilisant le système de classification de Fuller et Keenan. L’amplitude de mouvement s’améliore dans 82% des cas (19 articulations). La capacité de s’asseoir s’améliore chez 13 patients (93%) et les capacités de déambulation étaient nettement supérieures chez 8 patients. La résection de ces ossifications hétérotopiques est donc justifiée.