title: A novel combination of printed 3-dimensional anatomic templates and computer-assisted surgical simulation for virtual preoperative planning in Charcot foot reconstruction.
abstract: Charcot foot syndrome (Charcot neuroarthropathy affecting the foot), particularly in its latter stages, may pose a significant technical challenge to the surgeon. Because of the lack of anatomic consistency, preoperative planning with virtual and physical models of the foot could improve the chances of achieving a predictable intraoperative result. In this report, we describe the use of a novel, inexpensive, 3-dimensional template printing technique that can provide, with just a normal printer, multiple "copies" of the foot to be repaired. Although we depict this method as it pertains to repair of the Charcot foot, it could also be used to plan and practice, or revise, 3-dimensional surgical manipulations of other complex foot deformities.
authors.affiliation: DeKalb Medical, Decatur, GA, USA. ngiovinco@gmail.com
authors.forename: Nicholas A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Giovinco
authors.forename: S Patrick
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dowling
authors.forename: Clifford
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trowell
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ruch
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*