title: Protection of heel flaps with Ilizarov fixator as an elevation frame: A case series and review of literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare outcome of Ilizarov fixator for protection of heel and foot flaps with that of plaster of Paris boot technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  The retrospective chart review was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients who underwent flap reconstruction of the heel from January 2011 to December 2014. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 3 months. The patients using Ilizarov fixator were placed in group A and those with modified plaster of Paris boot as the elevation device were placed in group B. A detailed questionnaire was developed to note down the relevant variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 31 patients, 21(70%) were in group A and 10(30%) in group B. The modified boot was considered heavy (70%) compared to none in the Ilizarov group. The mean time of removal was 5.9 wks in group A and 4.8 weeks in group B. The mean time for use of Foley\'s catheter was 16.8 hours in group A and 14.8 hours in group B. There was significant number of associated bony injuries (33%) in group A and none in group B. Both groups were satisfied with the outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While Ilizarov technique is recommended for patients with extensive wounds along the heel and foot, obese patients and those non-compliant to the positioning protocol, careful use of modified plaster of Paris boot technique in relatively simpler situations of heel reconstruction with flaps is also very rewarding.
authors.affiliation: Consultant Plastic Surgeon, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Sadaf
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saeed
authors.affiliation: Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Syed Kamran
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Muhammad Amin
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Chinoy
authors.affiliation: Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mansoor Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
keywords: Ilizarov for heel flaps, Kick stand for heel, Heel off loading.