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Heterotopic ossification around the elbow following burns in children: results after excision
Journal article

Heterotopic ossification around the elbow following burns in children: results after excision

Alok Gaur, Marc Sinclair, Enzo Caruso, Giuseppe Peretti, David Zaleske and Erin Marie Caruso
Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, v 85(8), pp 1538-1543
Aug 2003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-200308000-00016
PMID: 12925635
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Adolescent Burns - complications Burns - diagnostic imaging Child Elbow - diagnostic imaging Elbow - injuries Elbow - surgery Elbow Joint - diagnostic imaging Elbow Joint - surgery Exercise Therapy Female Follow-Up Studies Humans Male Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive Ossification, Heterotopic - diagnostic imaging Ossification, Heterotopic - surgery Postoperative Care Radiography Range of Motion, Articular - physiology Treatment Outcome
Major burn injuries close to joints alter the function of the musculoskeletal system through tissue loss and limitation of joint motion. In children with involvement of the hand, wrist, and forearm, restriction of elbow motion secondary to heterotopic ossification following a burn injury severely limits the function of the upper extremity. The purpose of this study was to review elbow function following excision of heterotopic ossification around the elbow in children. Eight children (ten elbows) from a population of 3245 consecutive patients who were admitted to our pediatric burn center were found to have severe heterotopic ossification of the elbow, leading to an inability to reach the mouth for feeding and the head and the perineum for self-care. Excision of the heterotopic ossification was undertaken if the patient had this limitation of function and if movement was restricted to a total arc of motion of <50 degrees. Pain was not an indication for the operation. The procedure was performed at an average of 17.3 months following the injury. Seven children (nine elbows) were available for follow-up at an average of fifty-six months after surgery. All nine elbows had an improved arc of motion (an average increase of 57 degrees ). Following excision, heterotopic ossification did not recur. All children were able to reach the face and the perineum following the operation. Excision of heterotopic ossification around the elbow following a burn injury in children can improve the arc of motion and improve the function of the extremity. A relatively simple operative and postoperative regimen can achieve satisfactory results.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Orthopedics
Surgery
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