Radiographic Changes in Burns of the Upper Extremity

In 70 patients with upper extremity burns, radiographic changes included osteoporosis (34% of patients) and heterotopic calcification (23%) in the elbow and proximal and distal portions of the interosseous membrane and adjacent to the ulnar styloid. Heterotopic calcifications were more prone to develop in patients with more severe burns and with evidence of osteoporosis. Joint destruction, with 1 exception, involved the interphalangeal joints, the capsules of which were destroyed by the initial burn and had undergone surgical arthrodesis. Onset of heterotopic bone formation about the elbow can be detected radiographically prior to onset of significant clinical symptoms.