Results of Ilizarov External Fixation in Rigid Equinus Deformity: An Experience of 30 Patients

Background: Equinus deformity is associated with congenital disorders, trauma, infections, burns and neuromuscular diseases. Tip-toe gait resulting from equinus deformity often makes ambulation difficult. Many modalities of treatment are available but most of them are challenging due to high risk of skin and soft tissue complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of Ilizarov external fixator with or without minimal soft tissue release in patients with rigid equinus deformity.

Materials and methods: 30 patients, with 21 (70%) males and 9 (30%) females, were included in this study. 17 (56.66%) patients had right foot, 10 (33.33%) had left foot and 3 (10%) had bilateral feet involvement. 17 (56.66%) had polio, 8 (26.66%) had cerebral palsy, 3 (10%) had posttraumatic and 2 (6.66%) had post-burn equinus deformities. Mean duration of equinus deformity was 5.1 years (range 1 to 11). The ankle range of mo-tion and radiographic lateral tibiotalar angle were assessed preoperatively and at last final follow-up. Kling et al. criteria were used to assess the morphological and functional outcome.

Results: The mean preoperative rigid equinus deformity was -32° (range -40 to -20). The mean duration of Ilizarov external fixation required to correct the equinus deformity was 3.6 months (range 2-5.5 months). The mean preoperative tibiotalar angle was 150.2° (range 113° to 169°), which reduced to a mean angle of 102.8° (range 87° to 117°) at final follow-up. Mean dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at final follow-up was 15° (range -5° to 10°) and 31° (15° to 40°), respectively. 4 (13.33%) patients had superficial pin tract infection which was treated by serial dressings and oral antibiotics. 2 (6.66%) patients had a recurrence of 10° of equinus deformity. Excellent to good results were seen in 93.33% of patients whereas 6.66% had poor results.

Conclusion: Ilizarov external fixation being a minimal invasive procedure allows a greater degree of equinus deformity correction.