Complex post traumatic foot deformities – Outcomes after corrective surgery

Abstract

IntroductionComplex posttraumatic foot deformity results in painful foot, altered gait and affects cosmesis. We did a retrospective study on 16 patients to analyse the etiology, types of foot deformity and their outcomes after corrective surgery. MethodsThis retrospective study was done on a consecutive series of patients who underwent corrective surgery for complex post-traumatic foot and ankle deformities. There were 16 patients with 18 foot deformities. The duration of deformity, soft tissues, radiographic changes and measurements, type and anatomic localisation of the deformity determined the surgery needed to correct the deformity. ResultsAmong the 18 foot injuries, 16 were open injuries. Among the type of foot deformity, isolated equinus deformity was seen in 12 feet followed by equinovarus and equinocavovarus in three feet each. Seven patients needed modified footwear. None of the patients required walking aid for ambulation at the end of one year follow up. ConclusionTo conclude, soft tissue injuries were the most common cause of posttraumatic foot deformities compared to bony injuries. Equinus deformity was the commonest deformity. Fifteen patients returned to their preinjury work status.