Serial Casting of the Ankle and Knee in a Child With Vascular Anomaly of the Calf Musculature: A Case Report

Background and Purpose Contracture and toe-walking in children due to vascular anomaly of the calf musculature is rarely described and there is limited evidence regarding treatment. The purpose of this case is to describe the novel use of serial casting, combining the knee and ankle, to reduce contracture in a child with hemangioma of the calf. Case Description An 11-year-old girl received 12 casts of the ankle and knee, followed by custom orthotics, to address chronic contracture and gait impairments caused by a vascular anomaly in the posterior compartment of the lower extremity. Outcomes After casting, the patient had fully restored knee range of motion and improved ankle range of motion by 45 degrees. She received custom orthotics and maintained her range of motion four months after casting. Discussion Serial casting of the knee and ankle may be a useful alternative to surgical lengthenings in patients with chronic contractures caused by vascular anomalies of the lower extremity.