A study of bone and joint changes secondary to burns

A clinical and radiological study of 80 postburn patients to determine the extent of bone and joint changes is presented. The group comprised 38 males and 42 females, with ages ranging from 2 to 60 years. The time since burning ranged from 6 to 12 months in 40, from 1 to 5 years in 24 and over 5 years in 16 patients. Clinically bone and adjoining tissue involvement were seen in 32 patients (40 per cent), while radiological changes were seen in 49 (61.25 per cent). Radiological changes noted included osteoporosis 56.25 per cent, stunted growth (phalanges and limbs) 27.5 per cent, osteomyelitis 2.5 per cent, partial resorption of terminal phalanges and ankylosis 1.25 per cent each. Periarticular, pericapsular and tendon calcification were each seen in 1.25 per cent of the patients. Bone and joint changes were encountered only in major burns, and these could be minimized by proper early surgical care and long-term rehabilitation.