Heterotopic bone formation in burned patients.

Heterotopic bone formation about joints and in soft tissues is known to cause joint immobilization and permanent physical impairment in burned patients. Despite aggressive physical therapy aimed at prevention, heterotopic bone formation still occurs in a small percentage of patients. Prolonged immobilization in concert with trauma or burn about the involved joint is recognized as being responsible for this heterotopic bone formation. Specifically, immobilization of extremities, particularly the elbow and upper extremity, should be minimized by early grafting for preservation of function. As burn therapy has enabled increasing numbers of patients to survive extensive burns, it is imperative that preservation of function not be ignored and that attention be directed at improved function early in the postburn course.