Complex deformities can be difficult to treat but not impossible. Over the years, many health experts have come forward with new and improved ways to correct complex multiplanar deformities in patients. Discover what options there are available below.
The correction of complex foot deformities, which can also be defined as multiplanar deformities, have been a continued surgical challenge for medical experts all over the world. These types of deformities can either be congenital or can be acquired later on in life, most often caused by neuromuscular disease, neglected or relapsed clubfoot, osteomyelitis, congenital talipes equinovarus, poliomyelitis and many other. In order to achieve a favorable outcome, careful planning as well as specialization of the surgeon are of utmost importance.
Complex foot and limb deformities can occur due to various medical conditions or be congenital. Reconstruction for complex deformities could be needed for limb lengthening, bone or joint stabilization, angular or rotation correction or treatment of nonunion or bone defect.
Reconstruction of complex deformities can be a complicated procedure and often may lead to infection in certain patients. Complications have been known to arise especially for patients who undergo leg lengthening, bone transport or treatment for nonunion. In cases of acute angular deformity correction, the chances of getting nerve injury is also a risk.
Reconstruction of complex deformities has been an ongoing process and over the years, medical experts are trying to build up new and improved procedures that could help patients in the best way possible.
Medical experts have been known to use the ILIZAROV treatment over the years for the reconstruction of complex deformities. This surgical technique is highly successful and designed to reshape limb bones and lengthen them. This method is preferred by medical experts over conventional methods, such as internal fixator or cast since the risks of infection are much lower. In cases where the severity of the deformity or fracture is greater, the Ilizarov technique is also preferred since internal fixators cannot perform well.
Although the Ilizarov apparatus is minimally invasive, it does also come with its own set of complications. Patients may feel excessive pain which may need to be treated with analgesics, and in order to prevent pin site infection, more attention needs to be paid toward cleaning and hygiene. Other forms of complications may include muscle transfixion, joint contractures and swelling.
In orthopedics, multiplanar deformities are the most difficult to correct especially when it comes to the correction of deformity in the ankles and feet. Such surgeries are much more complex since a lot of factors must be addressed such as prior surgical interventions, alignment of the foot, neuropathy, arthrosis, instability, musculotendinous abnormalities as well as skin ulceration. The goal for such surgeries to provide the patient with a plantigrade foot that allows for a stable platform for ambulation and shoe wear.
Over the years, there have come about multiple techniques that are performed by expert orthopedic surgeons,such as osteotomy and Taylor Spatial Frame, to correct complex foot deformities. In order to deduce the condition of the deformity, doctors need to carry out a radiographic evaluation. Full-length X-rays of lower limbs are also required as well as weight-bearing foot and ankle radiographs that include an AP view, lateral view and a long axis view of the calcaneus.
After a complete diagnosis, doctors decide on what type of surgery is best suited according to the condition, such as tibial osteotomy and fibular osteotomy. In cases where a patient has forefoot deformities, a midfoot osteotomy may be preferred by the doctor. For patients that may have an imbalanced muscle strength, doctors may also perform procedures such as a tendon transfer or a percutaneous achilles tendon lengthening, which is needed for patients with achilles tendon contracture.
The American Hospital is home to Dubai’s most advanced orthopedic services, led by a team of board-certified orthopedic doctors. If you would like to visit one of our expert healthcare physicians for reconstruction of complex deformities, you can easily book an appointment through the secure form provided on our website.
