title: Heterotopic calcification in burn scars and non-healing ulcers.
abstract: Heterotopic calcification (HC) is abnormal deposition of calcium salts in tissues other than bone and enamel. The heterotopic calcification in the burn patients is commonly found either in periarticular region or in the muscles, but the occurrence of heterotopic calcification of the burn scar itself in the presence of normal serum calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase is not reported earlier. We present four adult male patients of lower limbs heterotopic calcification in burn scars with unusual presentation of non-healing ulcers with a latent period of 15-20 years. In one of the patient it was Marjolin's ulcer although the lesion was away from the calcified area. Excision of the calcified scars and the release of contracture have cured the non-healing ulcers and this may prevent re-calcification in future.
authors.affiliation: Al Babtain Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns, Ibn Sina Hospital, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Mohammed K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Ebrahim
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kanjoor
authors.forename: Rameshwar L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Bang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing