For many post-stroke patients, regaining the ability to walk is one of their most important goals. However, severe ankle contractures—where the foot becomes stuck in a downward-pointing position (equinus deformity)—can make walking nearly impossible. This condition forces patients to walk on their toes, leads to instability, and in many cases, confines them to a wheelchair. Unfortunately, many are told that their only options are bracing, aggressive physical therapy, or even amputation.

However, there is a highly specialized surgical approach that can gradually correct this deformity and restore the foot to a functional walking position. Dr. Philip Wrotslavsky, a  board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, is one of the very few specialists in the world that is performing gradual deformity correction for post-stroke ankle contractures. His advanced techniques have successfully helped patients regain their mobility and independence.

Why Does the Ankle Become Contracted After a Stroke?

After a stroke, many patients experience spasticity—a condition where muscles become excessively tight and difficult to stretch. Over time, the calf muscles and Achilles tendon tighten, pulling the foot into a downward position. This can make it nearly impossible to place the heel on the ground when walking, leading to:

• Toe-walking or instability
• Severe gait abnormalities
• Painful pressure sores from bracing or improper foot positioning
• Increased risk of falls and further injury
• Loss of mobility and reliance on wheelchairs or walkers
  

  equinus ankle

Advanced Surgical Correction: Gradual Deformity Correction

Dr. Wrotslavsky specializes in gradual deformity correction, a highly advanced and precise technique that allows the contracted ankle to be straightened over time rather than through a single, high-risk surgery. This method has significant advantages over traditional procedures, such as tendon releases or aggressive Achilles lengthening, which often lead to incomplete correction, instability, or weakness.

How Does Gradual Deformity Correction Work?

1. Specialized External Fixation – A minimally invasive external fixator is applied to the lower leg and foot, allowing for controlled correction of the ankle position over time.
2. Slow, Safe Adjustment – The device is gradually adjusted to stretch the tight muscles and soft tissues, repositioning the foot while preserving strength and function.
3. Custom Rehabilitation Plan – Once the correction is achieved, a personalized rehabilitation program helps retrain the muscles and nerves for walking.

Why Dr. Philip Wrotslavsky?

Dr. Wrotslavsky is one of the very few surgeons in the world with the expertise to perform this complex correction. His extensive experience includes:

• Board certification in foot and ankle surgery
• Chief fellowship training at the prestigious International Center for Limb Lengthening, specializing in deformity correction and limb salvage
• Over 18 years of private surgical practice and 24 years of operating room experience
• Internationally recognized lecturer and author of peer-reviewed medical journal articles on deformity correction and limb salvage
• Patients travel from across the country to seek his expertise in correcting post-stroke ankle contractures and restoring mobility

Offering Hope to Those Who Want to Walk Again

Many post-stroke patients have been told they have no options for walking again with a normal foot position. That is simply not true. With the right expertise and treatment approach, it is possible to straighten the foot and restore the ability to walk, as long as the patient is determined to walk again.

At the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center of San Diego, Dr. Wrotslavsky provides second opinions to evaluate all possible treatment options—including solutions that many patients and even other doctors are unaware of.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an ankle contracture after a stroke and wants to explore options for walking again, contact our office today to learn how Dr. Wrotslavsky’s expertise in gradual deformity correction can help.