Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-known complication of moderate and severe burn injuries. The development and progression of HO in burn patients are poorly understood phenomena at this time. Numerous measures aimed at preventing or minimizing HO have been described, but no definitive prophylactic modality has been found. ⋯ We found that not only was EDHP ineffective in preventing HO, the group of patients treated with EDHP demonstrated an increased incidence of HO over that seen in a comparison group. This was true after controlling for age, sex, and %TBSA burned. Based on the results of this study, the routine use of etidronate disodium to prevent HO in burn patients cannot be recommended.