Silver nitrate stain masquerading as a heterotopic ossification.

Silver nitrate is a commonly used substance in the cauterization of the traumatic soft tissue wounds to stop bleeding. As an inorganic compound with high density, silver nitrate is very radiodense. We present a case of topical silver nitrate application on a fingertip laceration of a 32-year-old diabetic woman, which was misinterpreted as heterotopic ossification. The appearance of silver nitrate on radiographic studies is not widely known, which can lead to misdiagnosis, further unnecessary imaging, and inappropriate surgery.