Instructions for Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frame Foot Drop Splints and Shoes Irving Building Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Services 0161 206 519 G1809190W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, All Rights Reserved 2018. Document for issue as handout.
Diagnosis The decision to apply an Ilizarov or Taylor Spatial Frame will be made by your consultant, with your consent. This may be due to a variety of conditions e.g. complex fractures and fractures that are difficult to heal. This will be discussed in detail with your consultant. Following application of the Ilizarov or Taylor Spatial Frame you may be prescribed a: Foot drop splint Ilizarov shoe Splint wearing instructions If your consultant allows you to put full weight through your foot, you may leave the splint off during the day but ensure that you sit with your foot on the floor to stretch your Achilles tendon. This should be done for at least 10 minutes every hour. The splint must be worn overnight. You should also exercise your foot within the splint, this is to avoid stiffening of the ankle joint and increase range of movement. These exercises should be completed 10 times an hour. 1 2 You must not walk on your foot drop splint 1 G1809190W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 2
How to apply your splint Step 1 Apply the splint to the sole of the foot, ensuring that the splint follows the contours of your foot but the edges do not dig into your skin. Fasten the middle strap around the foot. Ensure it fits firmly but not so tight that it affects the circulation. Step 2 Attach the narrow heel straps around the outside of the bottom ring of the frame and secure it into place with the Velcro. Step Loop the elastic straps over the top ring of the frame and secure it with the velcro. Ensure the forefoot is lifted enough to create a stretch on the back of the calf. Make sure that your foot is not twisted by the elastic straps. To remove the splint, reverse the above procedure, taking care to release the tension of the elastic straps slowly to avoid any sudden movement of the foot as this may cause you some discomfort. 5 6 7 1 2 4 G1809190W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 4
Make sure that your foot is not twisted by the elastic straps. Half foot drop splints This splint does not have a heel attachment due to the positioning of your frame, therefore please follow steps 1 and as illustrated. Risks and side effects If any redness, swelling, numbness or discomfort occurs remove the splint and contact the Occupational Therapy department immediately. If you are unable to see the sole of your foot, ask someone to check it for you. If out of office hours contact your GP or go to Accident and Emergency. DO NOT walk with the splint on your foot. DO NOT wear a shoe over the splint. DO NOT attempt to alter the splint. DO NOT leave the splint in direct heat as the material will melt (e.g. sun, radiator, hot water). The splint may be washed in lukewarm soapy water. It is important to wear the splint at the times indicated by the therapist. Should you find the splint causes your foot to sweat it is advisable to wear a short trainer sock. Ensure this is not too tight as this may impede circulation. Alternatively an odour eater can be worn between the foot and the splint. 5 G1809190W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 6
Purpose and benefits of the splint The aim of the splint is to ensure that the Achilles tendon is stretched to maintain normal movement in your ankle when the frame is removed. If you do not wear the splint as advised by your therapists there is a risk that your Achilles tendon could shorten which may require further surgery once your frame is removed. However, whilst the splint can reduce the risk of the Achilles tendon shortening, it cannot be guaranteed that this is successful in all circumstances. Purpose and benefits of the Ilizarov shoe The aim of the Ilizarov shoe is to allow weight bearing if your frame extends into your foot, preventing you from wearing your usual footwear. The aim of the Ilizarov shoe is to allow weight bearing particularly when there is a leg length discrepancy. Ilizarov shoes An Ilizarov shoe would be worn if you have a leg length discrepancy and/or for weight bearing purposes. A shoe may be fitted if your pins are situated in a position that means that you are unable to wear your usual shoes. Please fit your shoe as advised by your therapist. Shoe wearing instructions 1. Place the toes first into the shoe, ensuring the foot fits snugly into the shoe. 2. Fasten the Velcro straps.. Fold the shoe tongue away from the frame. 1 2 4 5 6 7 7 G1809190W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 8
Important notes If you have any issues with the shoe, inform the Orthotics department as soon as possible. If you have any issues with the splint, inform the Occupational Therapy department or discuss this with the lead therapist in the Ilizarov group. Future Care An Ilizarov group takes place on Tuesdays at 10:0am in the Rehabilitation services large gym. It is advisable for you to attend and bring your splint / shoe so that they can be checked regularly. If you are unable to attend the group the splint / shoe may be checked when you meet your consultant in the outpatient clinic. Please bring your splint / shoe and inform the clinic staff if you have any problems and they will contact the Occupational Therapy department. If you experience any problems with the splint / shoe, please contact the: Occupational Therapy Department ask for 0161 206 519 Orthotics Department 0161 206 4912 Hospital Switchboard 0161 789 77 bleep 564 / 42 Monday to Friday, 8.15am-4.00pm Email: orthotherapy@srft.nhs.uk Occupational Therapist Notes 9 G1809190W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, 10
G1809190W. Design Services Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust All Rights Reserved 2018 This document MUST NOT be photocopied Information Leaflet Control Policy: Unique Identifier: CS67(18) Review Date: November 2020 For further information on this leaflet, it s references and sources used, please contact 0161 206 519. Copies of this leaflet are available in other formats (for example, large print or easyread) upon request. Alternative formats may also be available via www. srft.nhs.uk/for-patients/patient-leaflets/ If you need this information leaflet translated, please telephone: In accordance with the Equality Act we will make reasonable adjustments to enable individuals with disabilities to access this service. Please contact the service/clinic you are attending by phone or email prior to your appointment to discuss your requirements. Interpreters are available for both verbal and non-verbal (e.g. British Sign Language) languages, on request. Please contact the service/clinic you are visiting to request this. or Email: InterpretationandTrans@srft.nhs.uk Salford Royal operates a smoke-free policy. For advice on stopping smoking contact the Hospital Specialist Stop Smoking Service on 0161 206 1779 This is a teaching hospital which plays an important role in the training of future doctors. The part patients play in this process is essential to make sure that we produce the right quality doctors for all of our futures. If at any time you would prefer not to have students present please inform the doctor or nurses and this will not affect your care in anyway. Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust Stott Lane, Salford, Manchester, M6 8HD Telephone 0161 789 77 www.srft.nhs.uk If you would like to become a Foundation Trust Member please visit: www.srft.nhs.uk/ for-members If you have any suggestions as to how this document could be improved in the future then please visit: http://www.srft.nhs.uk/ for-patients