Operative treatment of anterior heterotopic bone formation of the elbow in a patient with severe haemophilia A

There is no statistical data on the incidence of heterotopic ossification among patients with haemophilia, and a few reports documenting this entity in haemophilia are available. Although post-traumatic heterotopic ossification about the elbow is a well-recognized complication, we are not aware of any previously reported case in haemophiliacs. An 8-year-old boy with severe haemophilia A presented with fixed elbow in 80 degrees of flexion. Radiographs disclosed a mature anterior heterotopic ossification in the form of complete ulnohumeral bony bridge. Surgical excision of the heterotopic bone was performed. A full elbow range of motion was obtained after long-term physiotherapy. We conclude that this surgery is safe and successful in haemophilic patients, if performed at the right time under optimal situation.