Long-term follow-up of joint stabilization procedures in the treatment of fixed deformities of feet in leprosy.

This retrospective study of 52 patients, who underwent joint stabilization procedures for static deformities of the feet in leprosy between 1971 and 1985, was undertaken to asses the long-term results of joint stabilization of feet for fixed deformities in leprosy. The main purpose of joint stabilization is to make the feet plantigrade for weight bearing and to make the wearing of footwear possible. Deformities corrected include varus, equinus and equinovarus. Chronic ulceration occurs repeatedly if these deformities are not corrected and leads to inevitable bone destruction and eventual amputation.