title: Use of external fixation in the reconstruction of the Charcot foot and ankle.
abstract: External fixation allows the progressive foot and ankle surgeon to approach Charcot foot and ankle deformities in a new way. Surgeons can now correct Charcot pathology with percutaneous techniques using a new generation of external fixation frames. These fixators allow the surgeon to adjust or manipulate the Charcot foot after surgery and the patient early weightbearing. External fixation provides the foot and ankle surgeon the opportunity to reconstruct and stabilize this destructive disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, Santa Monica-University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, CA, USA. jcwlankle@aol.com
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D033023:Foot Joints / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care