Iodine iontophoresis in reducing scar tissue.

Abstract

A 24-year-old housewife was referred for treatment to improve active and passive extension and flexion of the right great toe. The patient had undergone a bunionectomy that resulted in an 8-cm longitudinal scar over the dorsal surface of her right hallux extending from just proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joint to just distal to the interphalangeal joint. The suture line was dry and well healed. Examination revealed intact sensation and proprioception, with trace active movements of flexion and extension at both the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints. Passive flexion and extension at the interphalangeal joint was within normal limits. Passive flexion and extension range of motion at the metatarsophalangeal joint was 5 degrees. The limitation was believed to be due to postsurgical scarring over the tendon of the extensor hallucis longus muscle. The patient had pain at the right great toe upon early toe-off of the swing phase.…