Application of external fixators for management of Charcot deformities of the foot and ankle.
External fixators have been used effectively for a variety of traumatic, congenital, and neuromuscular conditions of the lower extremity for many decades. The transition to management of Charcot foot and ankle deformities in the diabetic neuropathic patient is a logical application. External fixation can address the unique challenges in the Charcot foot, including osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, wound healing, and compliance issues. The author's experience has lead to abandoning other methods of fixation in favor of external fixation for most infected and noninfected Charcot deformities of the foot and ankle.
Cooper
Paul S
PS
Department of Orthopedics, Foot and Ankle Center, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, Georgetown Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA. cooperpa@gunet.georgetown.edu
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D033023:Foot Joints / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D016879:Salvage Therapy