Gradual Correction of Equinus Contracture with Hinged Circular External Fixation

This 36-year-old diabetic man had a severe equinus contracture secondary to poor rehabilitation after distal tibia and fibula fractures associated with polytrauma and head injury. His contralateral extremity was amputated below the knee for infected nonunion of a proximal tibia fracture. Correction of the deformity was needed for weightbearing, but large incisions would not be tolerated. Gradual distraction and correction of ankle equinus was achieved with a hinged circular external fixation, allowing him to continue his rehabilitation and walk with a plantigrade foot.