ABSTRACT
CONTENTS I. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 439 II. Classification of Deformities ............................................................................................. 440 III. Simple Deformities ............................................................................................................ 440
A. Equinus Contracture.................................................................................................. 440
B. Distal Tibial Angular Deformity ............................................................................... 443
C. Osteotomy with Internal Fixation ............................................................................. 444
D. External Fixation Technique ..................................................................................... 446
E. Simple Nonunion....................................................................................................... 448
F. Arthrodesis ................................................................................................................ 450 IV. Complex Deformities ........................................................................................................ 450
A. Complex Equinus Deformity ..................................................................................... 450
B. Cavus Deformity ....................................................................................................... 450
C. Rocker-Bottom Deformity ........................................................................................ 451
D. Infection..................................................................................................................... 453
E. Amputation ............................................................................................................... 455
F. Special Patient Populations ....................................................................................... 455 V. Summary ........................................................................................................................... 457 References .................................................................................................................................. 458
I. INTRODUCTION
Deformities of the foot and ankle are common and are among the most challenging problems faced by surgeons. Rigid contractures caused by soft tissue deformity can be caused by nerve, muscle, or skin pathology and are commonly seen in patients with conditions such as poliomyelitis, CharcotMarie-Tooth disease, and burns. Bony deformities are typically the result of high-energy trauma
and include malunion, nonunion, and infection. Many deformities, such as congenital malformations, occur with combined soft tissue and bony pathology. Techniques to address these varied problems include casting, soft tissue release and transfer, osteotomies with internal or external fixation, external fixation techniques, arthrodesis, and amputation. This chapter reviews advanced techniques of external fixation with selected internal fixation applications for the treatment of foot deformities.
