Willis FB, Lopez AL, Kalish SR and John MM
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Diabetes Metab
Introduction: Ankle equinus is hereditary, or acquired contracture of the Tricepts surae or shortening of the connective tissue causing inability of the foot to dorsifl ex during gait. High plantar pressure from contracture oft en results in diabetic ulceration. Th is is frequently treated by Achilles Tendon lengthening which helps to avoid infection and amputation. Th e purpose of this study is to examine the eff ect of dynamic splinting in reducing ankle equinus contracture of patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A retrospective analysis was accomplished by reviewing 48 diabetic patients� histories following treatment with an ankle dorsifl exion dynamic splint. Th is dynamic splinting modality delivers low-torque prolonged end-range stretching while one sleeps. In this home therapy study, dynamic splinting was used for a mean 240 hours in the fi rst month (5 weeks). Results: Patients showed a statistically signifi cant change in maximal ankle dorsifl exion (P < 0.0001, t = 6.469, df = 47, N = 48). Th e patients� mean, maximal, active range of motion in dorsifl exion increased by 9� in the fi rst month. Conclusion: Th is modality proved eff ective as home therapy and should be examined in further research so that it may be employed as standard of care in treating ankle equinus contracture.
Dr Willis? focus is on research of therapeutic protocols treating connective tissue pathologies/injuries, head to toe. In the past two years, Dr Willis has authored 14 peer-reviewed manuscripts (with 6 additional manuscripts In-Press), and he has served on editorial boards for four journals, including Associate Editor-in-Chief: Foot & Ankle Online Journal. His research is interdisciplinary and he has been invited to author his second text book titled ?Contracture Reduction, Head to Toe? which is expected to also benefi t residents in podiatry, orthopaedics, physiatry and students in physical or occupational therapy. (F. Buck Willis, CPL, BA, MEd, MBBS, PhD)
