Postburn heterotopic ossification: insights for management decision making

An analysis of 1,478 consecutive admissions to the University of Kansas Burnett Burn Center revealed 18 patients who developed heterotopic ossification (1.2% incidence). Seventeen patients developed this disease in the elbows; one patient had shoulder involvement. Two patients eventually developed bilateral elbow disease. All patients initially presented with pain and limitation of joint motion. The diagnosis was then confirmed radiographically. All patients suspected of heterotopic ossification received physical therapy consisting of active range of motion only. Ten patients responded to conservative treatment and regained functional range of motion, and eight patients developed refractory ankylosis requiring surgical management. All surgically managed patients achieved a functional range of motion with an average followup of 35.0 months.