Management of elbow ankylosis in a head injured patient with floating elbow injury.

The development of heterotopic ossification around the elbow has been linked to trauma (particularly fractures or dislocations), closed head injury, spinal cord injury, burns of the extremity, genetic traits, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and orthotopic liver transplant. Pain and lack of motion are the most common complaints during the progression of ectopic bone about the joint. Opposite to common credence, fracture healing is not accelerated in patients with traumatic brain injury.