Surgical reconstruction of the Charcot rearfoot and ankle.
Charcot arthropathy of the rearfoot and ankle is a complex disorder. To date there are no evidence-based, universally agreed upon treatment protocols. As the number of patients who have these deformities continues to increase, surgeons' skill levels and experience grow as well. With increased technical skill, knowledge, and advances in fixation, these deformities are becoming more manageable. In the future this experience should afford the general community with evidenced-based protocols. This article discusses basic techniques in deformity planning and current uses of internal and external fixation techniques for rearfoot and ankle limb salvage.
Burns
Patrick R
PR
Foot and Ankle Division, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Roesch-Taylor Medical Building, North Suite 7100, 2100 Jane Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA. burnsp@upmc.edu
Wukich
Dane K
DK
D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000601:surgery*; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D004863:Equinus Deformity / Q000601:surgery; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged