Prevention of Equinus Deformity after External Fixation for Open Tibia Fractures: A Comparison between Plaster of Paris Backslab and Passive Ankle Physiotherapy.

Background: Ankle equinus deformity is a common complication of prolonged external fixator use in tibia fractures with an incidence of 15%-16%. It affects gait and may lead to foot, leg, and back problems. Treatment of equinus deformity increases the cost of treatment of open tibia fractures and increases the time spent off work.