Surgical reconstruction of the diabetic Charcot foot: internal, external or combined fixation?
Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle is a devastating neuropathic complication that can eventually lead to a lower extremity amputation in the presence of an ulceration or infection. Current surgical approaches for the management of the diabetic Charcot foot and ankle deformities are largely based on expert opinions in various fixation methods attempting to avoid major postoperative complications. The goal of this article is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various internal, external, or combined fixation methods as they relate to the inherent challenges in the management of the diabetic Charcot foot.
Foot and Ankle Surgery, VSAS Orthopaedics, 1250 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Suite # 110, Allentown, PA 18103, USA.
John J
JJ
Stapleton
Thomas
T
Zgonis
D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D018579:Patient Selection; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome