Hypothesis 2 - Fracture complicated by scar tissue The lacerations to the dorsum of the leg, caused by the bandaging/casting, healed via granulation tissue and epithelialization. As the wound healed, the tissue would fibrose and contract over time causing extra stress on the dorsum of the leg. The contraction of the epithelium is a result of the scarring caused by the improper bandage applied. The scar is a result of the granulation tissue laid down in an attempt to repair the tissue damaged by the chains. The granulation tissue leads to the contraction of the healing area because of the non-contractile collagen fibers that the fibroblasts apply. This contracture would lead to elevation of the toes. Infection to this area would further complicate the situation by thickening of the joint capsule, which would lead to further elevation of the toes. This could be due to the decreased motion being applied to that joint. If the joint capsule is not being stretched in a normal motion, it may lose its flexibility over time.