title: Heterotopic ossification around the elbow following burns in children: results after excision.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Boston Shriners Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Alok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaur
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peretti
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zaleske
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D004550:Elbow / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015915:Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092464:Elbow Injuries