Catapult splint: a foot dorsiflexion assist splint.
BACKGROUND
Loss of dorsiflexion is a common problem in cases where an external fixator or Ilizarov assembly is applied. It results in functional impairment of the foot by affecting the swing phase of gait cycle. We devised a simple dynamic dorsiflexion assist splint for prevention, correction of equinus/cavus deformity and maintenance of normal dorsiflexion of foot.


METHODS
This prospective study used a rubber splint styled in the shape of a catapult, made of discarded car rubber tubes attached to the frame of fixator in 50 patients.


RESULTS
In 17 patients there was varying amount of loss of dorsiflexion at the time of application of splint while in 22 patients it was applied soon after the application of the fixator. In the rest of patients it was applied for cavus deformity. Out of 17 patients 10 had complete recovery of dorsiflexion. 22 patients in whom it was applied at the outset had normal range of movement at ankle. Correction was achieved in all 6 cases of cavus deformity and prevented its occurrence in the rest of 5 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Catapult splint is a low cost foot dorsiflexion assist splint.
Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medical Science and Research, Sharda University, Gr. Noida, India. vineet.ortho@gmail.com
Vineet
V
Jain
Mayank
M
Agrawal
Anil
A
Dhal
D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005530:Foot Deformities / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012408:Rubber; D013165:Splints
D012408:Rubber