FOOT, TOES AND HEEL CONTRACTURE

Usually contractures (Acquiring extreme postures due to tethering of structures)

Develop due to neglected traumatic wounds healed by secondary intention (with scarring), or as post burn sequel, chronic diabetic foot etc.

TREATMENT

Physiotherapy is the mainstay of the treatment.

But if it’s not resolved or becoming worse than previous, surgical intervention is needed then.

Procedure involves is release of contracture first and application of splintage in the form of plaster and/or wires and if necessary, lengthening of the affected tendon. 

It is done under general anesthesia and the patient needs to get admitted for 1-3 days for the procedure.

After release of contracture the wound is closed with local flaps or skin graft depending on the exposed underlying tissue.

Success of the procedure depends on post operative physiotherapy.

 

Written by: Dr. Ali Adnan

Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons