Study Into the Effect of Pamidronate for the Prevention of Heterotopic Ossification in High-risk Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: The acquired form of heterotopic ossification (HO) is the most common type of extraskeletal ossification and usually precipitated by a trauma such as total hip arthroplasty [THA] or spinal cord injury. After THA the incidence of HO is as high as 50%, but may reach up to 90% in high risk populations leading to severe functional impairment with ankylotic loss of joint mobility. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and external radiation have been used in preventing HO. Specifically, patients with surgical resection of HO at the hip have a high postoperative relapsing rate. Best results were observed after prophylactic radiation treatment with disease recurrence in 33-45% of patients. Data on the effect of bisphosphonates in the prevention of postoperative HO are scarce and mainly limited to the use of the first generation bisphosphonate etidronate. In a retrospective observational study we observed a marked beneficial effect of pamidronate infusions: none of the high risk patients with established HO undergoing surgical removal presented with disease recurrence.

AIM: We therefore aim to prospectively confirm our findings and to evaluate the efficacy of pamidronate for the prevention of recurrent HO after surgical removal of ipsilateral HO. Clinical, biochemical and radiological treatment outcome will be compared to standard clinical practice using preoperative external radiation.

ENDPOINTS: Primary endpoint is the radiological HO recurrence rate. Secondary endpoints are the clinical, functional and biochemical outcome (as assessed by several clinical and laboratory markers).

METHODS: This prospective, randomized trial will be carried out at the University Hospital in Basel/Buderholz in collaboration with the Orthopedic Clinic of the Swiss Paraplegic Centre in Nottwil. Patients who are admitted to the one of the participating orthopedic clinics for removal of HO at the hip will be included in the study. A total number of 40 consecutive patients will be recruited (recruitment phase 24 months) and randomized in a "bisphosphonate group", treated with peri- and postoperative pamidronate infusions (1.0 mg/kg/day for 3 days) and in a "radiation group", treated with external radiation with a single dose of 7 Gy within 24 hours prior to surgical intervention. Additionally, both groups will be treated with NSAIDs for 14 days.

EXPECTED RESULTS: We hypothesize that in treating patients at risk, therapy with pamidronate will be superior in reducing the recurrence rate of established HO as compared to external radiation after surgical resection.