Abstract:

Acquired heterotopic ossification (AHO) is a common complication following severe trauma, burning, cerebrospinal injuries, and artificial joint replacements and often leads to unsatisfactory prognosis. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and radiotherapy have been the classical methods for prevention and treatment of AHO, their effectiveness is doubted in recent years and the systemic complications induced by radiation therapy (RT) cannot be ignored. Therefore, new methods for the effective prevention of AHO have to be developed. The incidence and severity of AHO can be effectively reduced through analyzing risk factors, revealing preventive mechanisms of new NSAIDs and RT, and combining with surgical interventions. The deep insight into the mechanism of AHO has resulted in targeted preventive and therapeutic methods, especially retinoic acid receptor target drugs that may bring revolutionary changes.

Key words: acquired heterotopic ossification, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, retinoic acid receptor