Surgical Correction of Rigid Equinovarus Contracture Utilizing Extensive Soft Tissue Release

Although deforming contractures of the lower extremities after acute cerebrovascular events are well documented in the literature, there is limited literature regarding specific surgical considerations for the correction of these deformities, which are nonosseus in nature. The equinovarus foot, regardless of its origin, is a challenging pathologic condition for the foot and ankle surgeon. It is critical to have a firm understanding of the cause and symptoms behind an equinovarus deformity before treatment. The clinical presentation is discussed with special attention to deformities in adults with rigid equinovarus deformities after cerebrovascular-related accidents or peripheral ischemic events.