Distraction histogenesis in ankle burn deformities.

Burn injuries involving the joints around the lower extremity often lead to debilitating postburn contractures that frequently compromise extremity functions. Treatment of such injuries, especially involving the ankle and foot area, is very challenging. Conservative management has limited efficiency in correcting the deformities, whereas open surgical treatment is often coupled with high complication rates because of poor soft-tissue coverage and poor vascularity around the burnt areas. The use of the Ilizarov fixator has the advantage of tackling these deformities without the need for extensive open surgical procedures, which will minimize complications and recurrences. The authors present a series of three patients, two adults and one pediatric patient, who were treated successfully with minimally invasive surgery and soft-tissue distraction with the Ilizarov apparatus.