Preoperative interactive 2D-3D computed tomography assessment of heterotopic bone.

Total hip arthroplasty is a common orthopaedic procedure in this country. Postoperative heterotopic bone formation may be seen in anywhere from 5% to 76% of such procedures. Only a small subgroup of these patients are symptomatic. Approximately 6% of arthroplasty patients require evaluation of heterotopic bone. In such patients, computed tomography may be useful in staging the extent of bone formation and in helping to plan surgical or radiotherapy treatment. Reformatting transaxial data into coronal and sagittal planar images and into simulated three-dimensional images provides the most comprehensive overview and maximizes communication of relevant findings.