Assessment of hip abductor function in relation to peritrochanteric heterotopic ossification after closed femoral nailing.

The relationship between peritrochanteric heterotopic ossification and the strength of hip abduction after closed intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fractures was investigated in 25 patients after a mean follow-up of 2 years (range 9 months to 4 years). The power of hip abduction was assessed and compared with the normal hip. Of the 21 patients with heterotopic ossification, 16 had measurable weakness of hip abduction. Grade III heterotopic ossification resulted in 8-20 per cent weakness of hip abduction, but this was not associated with any disability or symptoms. Clinically important abductor weakness is more likely to be due to ipsilateral fractures or a long nail rather than heterotopic ossification.