On Expediency of Lengthening of the Foot as Anatomical Segment
The work is based on the analysis of treatment results of 19 patients with 2 - 6 cm shortening of the foot. Foot lengthening was performed at the level of tarsal bones with Ilizarov apparatus. Due to great number of various complications (up to 4 per patient), which required additional surgical interventions as well as unsatisfactory short- and long-terms functional results, made the authors to conclude that lengthening of the foot as an entire anatomic segment was not expedient. Certain theoretical propositions in favor of higher functional suitability of the shor-tened foot in rigid ankle joint contracture adduced.