Table 3.

Advantages, Risks, and Limitations

Advantages to Arthroscopy

Faster recovery and earlier mobilization compared with open procedures

Less disruption of soft-tissue, potentially minimizing the risk of HO recurrence

Lower complication rates compared to open procedures

Risks with Arthroscopy

Risk of traction neurapraxia with a post (mitigated if post-less traction is used)

May necessitate conversion to open technique if initial access and visualization is not adequate, which may require repositioning of the patient, with separate prep and draping.

Use of the arthroscopic technique may be limited by the size and location of the HO in relation to the joint capsule

HO, heterotopic ossification.