Computer Navigation-Assisted Resection of Heterotopic Ossification Around the Hip: A Technical Note

Heterotopic ossification is a rare but debilitating situation. It occurs in patients who have undergone paralysis and/or immobilization. Hip osteoma is one of the most frequent locations and is associated with a significant functional handicap. Its treatment is based on surgical resection, which is a risky surgery that is not devoid of complications such as infections, hematoma, and recurrence. We describe in this paper a new surgical technique that adds to the classic hip osteoma resection: guidance with a navigation system coupled to a 3D imaging tool. We performed this technique on two patients (three hips, one bilateral case). We think that this technique makes the surgery safer with fewer complications.