ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To compare outcome of Ilizarov fixator for
protection of
heel and
foot flaps with that of
plaster of Paris boot
technique.
METHODS:
The retrospective chart
review was conducted at The Indus
Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of
patients who underwent flap reconstruction of the
heel from January 2011 to December 2014. All
patients had a minimum follow-up of 3 months. The
patients using Ilizarov fixator were placed in group A and those with modified
plaster of Paris boot as the elevation
device were placed in group B. A detailed
questionnaire was developed to note down the relevant variables.
RESULTS:
Of the 31
patients, 21(70%) were in group A and 10(30%) in group B. The modified boot was considered heavy (70%) compared to none in the Ilizarov group. The mean
time of removal was 5.9 wks in group A and 4.8 weeks in group B. The mean
time for use of Foley\'s
catheter was 16.8 hours in group A and 14.8 hours in group B. There was significant number of associated bony
injuries (33%) in group A and none in group B. Both groups were satisfied with the outcome.
CONCLUSIONS:
While
Ilizarov technique is recommended for
patients with extensive
wounds along the
heel and
foot, obese
patients and those non-compliant to the positioning protocol, careful use of modified
plaster of Paris boot
technique in relatively simpler situations of
heel reconstruction with flaps is also very rewarding.
