title: The management of neuroarthropathic fracture-dislocations in the diabetic patient.
abstract: Appropriate management for the diabetic patient with a fracture or sprain depends on recognition of "at-risk" factors. For patients with stable, minimally displaced injuries, conservative modalities (prolonged immobilization and non-weight-bearing) are sufficient. For patients with unstable or displaced fracture-dislocations, and whose general condition does not contraindicate surgery, open reduction and internal fixation, at times combined with external fixation, is recommended. Initial aggressive management can avoid or minimize the disastrous sequelae of a destructive neuroarthropathic process and can effect a biomechanically sound plantigrade, braceable, and shoeable lower extremity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Schon
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Marks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000150:complications; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography