Effect of short-course indomethacin on heterotopic bone formation after uncemented total hip arthroplasty.

One hundred consecutive total hip arthroplasties (THA) were allocated into two groups: 92 patients received 25 mg of indomethacin three times daily for 10 days starting on the first postoperative day; 108 patients received no prophylactic treatment. Clinical examination and radiographs were evaluated by an independent observer at 3, 6, 12, and 24 postoperative months. No difference was noted at the bone-prosthesis interface between the two groups. Short-course indomethacin was felt to deter heterotopic bone formation significantly, while having no deleterious effect on stabilization of the St. Michael's madreporic system. Clinical examination and radiographs were evaluated by an independent observer at 3 and 6 postoperative months; all patients have continued to be observed, with an average follow-up period of 2 years following surgery.