Spielman et al. (1983)

USA

PCT

N=20

Population: Head Injury; Gender: Male=16; Female=4. Intervention Group (n=10): Mean Age=31yr; Mean GCS=5.2. Control Group (n=10): Mean Age=27yr; Mean GCS=5.5.

Intervention: The intervention group received Etidronate Disodium (EHDP) (20 mg/kg/day for 12wk, 10 mg/kg/d for next 12wk) within 2-7d post injury which continued for 6mo. The control group did not receive EHDP.

Outcome Measure: Presence of fractures, development of HO.

1.        The EHDP treated group showed a significantly lower incidence of HO compared with controls (2 versus 7 patients, p<0.025).

2.        Of the 9 that developed HO, 25 sites were affected; elbows (35%), shoulders (29%), hips (18%), and knees (18%) were most common. Seven individuals had restricted limb motion and 2 had ankylosis.