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Elbow anchylosis due to postburn heterotopic ossification
P H Holguin1, A A Rico, J P Garcia
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Getafe, Madrid, Spain.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Heterotopic ossification can cause elbow anchylosis after major thermal injuries. Surgical resection and nerve transposition, followed by early mobilization, yielded very good results in most patients, improving elbow function significantly.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Major thermal injuries can lead to severe complications, including heterotopic ossification.
- Elbow anchylosis, a loss of mobility, is a debilitating consequence of heterotopic ossification.
- This study focuses on a specific cohort of patients with thermal injuries and subsequent elbow complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of elbow anchylosis due to heterotopic ossification in patients with major thermal injuries.
- To evaluate the efficacy of surgical intervention and rehabilitation for this complication.
- To analyze the functional outcomes following treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2280 patients with major thermal injuries.
- Identification of patients who developed elbow anchylosis secondary to heterotopic ossification.
- Surgical treatment involving resection of ectopic bone and ulnar nerve transposition.
- Early mobilization and a minimum of 4 months of rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- Six out of 2280 patients (0.26%) developed elbow anchylosis from heterotopic ossification.
- Ossification was consistently located in the posterior-medial aspect of the elbow.
- Five patients (six elbows) achieved very good results (average 73.6% gain in flexion-extension arc).
- One patient had a poor outcome (less than 20% gain).
Conclusions:
- Heterotopic ossification causing elbow anchylosis is a rare but significant complication of major thermal injuries.
- Surgical management combined with intensive rehabilitation can restore significant elbow function.
- Early intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.