Occupational Therapy - Instructions for Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frame Foot Drop Splints and Shoes

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.

You must not walk on your foot drop splint

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 3

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.

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 3 as illustrated.

Risks and side effects

If any redness, swelling, numbness or discomfort occurs remove the splint and contact the Occupational Therapy or Orthotics department immediately.

If you are unable to see the sole of your foot, ask someone to check it for you.

If this occurs out of office hours, please contact your GP, 111 or 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.

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.
3. Fold the shoe tongue away from the frame.

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

A follow-up clinic and rehabilitation appointment will be made for you when you leave hosptial. It is advisable for you to attend the appointments and bring your splint/shoe so that it can be checked.

If you experience any problems with the splint/shoe, please contact the:

Occupational Therapy Department
0161 206 5319

Orthotics Department
0161 206 4912