Researchers discover how to stop excessive bone growth

Researchers have found a way of preventing excessive bone growth in patients following joint replacement surgery or major traumas.

According to the new study, which was published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, the findings are expected to lead to further clinical trials for the safe and effective treatment of excessive bone growth, which is known as heterotopic ossifaction.

Heteroptic ossification is common in soldiers that are severely wounded during operations, but is less common in non-military casualties, the study shows.

Primary investigator Maurizio Pacifici said: "This is a major breakthrough in heteroptic ossification research."

He added that using the new techniques studied, the researchers were "able to largely prevent formation and progression of heteroptic ossification lesions".

The scientists used an alpha agonist agent to stifle the condition following trauma.

While treatments for the condition already exist, they are not always 100 per cent effective.

Meanwhile, research conducted by another team of joint replacement specialists has show that the introduction of bisphosphonates following hip replacement surgery can compromise recovery but has a minimal long-term impact on bone recovery.

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