Application of a Foot Plate in the Taylor Spatial Frame for the Treatment of Acquired Equinus or Equinovarus Deformities

TL;DR

This paper describes using a foot plate with a Taylor Spatial Frame to treat foot deformities caused by limited movement or bone transport, showing it is safe and effective but requires follow-up care.

Contribution

The novel contribution is the application of a foot plate to an existing frame for treating acquired foot deformities when conservative methods fail.

Findings

The foot plate technique allows gradual ankle movement while being minimally invasive.

The method is safe and effective for treating equinus or equinovarus deformities.

Deformity recurrence is likely without proper post-removal bracing or physiotherapy.

Abstract

Fine wire frames are extensively utilized in the management of complex lower limb fractures and for deformity correction. Patients may develop equinus or equinovarus deformities in their feet due to the intricacies associated with the treatment. This may occur due to an inability to exercise and bear weight on the foot for various reasons or, more commonly, as a consequence of reverse tibial bone transport, in which the corticotomy is performed at the distal fragment, resulting in proximal bone transport. This technical note delineates the application of a foot plate to an existing fine wire frame when conservative management of equinus deformity of the foot has proven inadequate. The primary advantage of this technique lies in its capacity to facilitate a gradual increase in the movement of the ankle joint, all while being relatively minimally invasive. Our preliminary findings suggest that this method is safe and effective; however, it is imperative to note that there is a relatively high risk of recurrence of the deformity if the regained range of movement is not adequately protected through bracing or physiotherapy following the removal of the foot plate.

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