Patient Testimonial for Post-Traumatic Equinocavovarus Deformity

Equinocavovarus is a foot and ankle deformity that requires surgical intervention to transform a deformed, rigid structure into a stable, painless, plantigrade foot for improved function.

The surgery involves corrective procedures, including bone and soft tissue procedures. Then the Ilizarov fixator is applied. Immediately after the relief of pain and oedema in the foot and ankle, correction of deformity is done. The Ilizarov apparatus is manipulated to apply gradual, controlled distraction as tolerated. T-rods are installed immediately if AST is found on the postoperative radiographs during correction by the Ilizarov apparatus. No anaesthesia is administered before installing T-rods. The skin is closed with interrupted non-absorbable sutures. To support the limb, a well-padded below-knee splint is used.

The limb should be elevated strictly for a period of a week to 10 days. At 12 to 14 days, sutures are removed and a below-the-knee plaster cast is applied for 6 weeks. The cast is removed after 6 weeks. An X-ray is done to learn about the bony fusion state. Physiotherapy is started after the plaster splint is removed. Regular X-ray checks are done at the end of every 4 weeks.

Mr. Mustafa Mahdi Mohammed from Somalia underwent an Post-traumatic Equinocavovarus Deformity, under the supervision of Dr. Shashi Kanth G, Sr. Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.