Bony ankylosis following thermal and electrical injury

Objective. Bony ankylosis has been described following trauma, paralysis, p soriasis, Reiter's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile chronic arthr itis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reports of bony ankylosis following thermal and electrical injury are limited. Design and patients. Thirteen cases of burn-related joint ankylosis in four patients are presented. Conclusion. Patients with burns from thermal or electrical injury may devel op bony ankylosis among other radiographic manifestations. This bony ankylo sis may result either from bridging extra-articular heterotopic ossificatio n with preservation of the underlying joint or from intraarticular fusion d ue to joint destruction.