The role of an extended medial column arthrodesis for Charcot midfoot neuroarthropathy

Abstract

The etiology of diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy involving the midfoot often includes an inciting traumatic event or repetitive micro-trauma from an uncompensated biomechanical imbalance that potentiates an incompletely understood pathway that leads to a rocker-bottom foot deformity and ulceration. In the setting of a severe Charcot foot fracture and/or dislocation with obvious osseous instability, diagnostic delay can potentiate the limb threatening sequelae of infected midfoot ulcerations in this patient population. In this article, the authors discuss the thought process as well as the advantages of performing an extended medial column arthrodesis for selected Charcot midfoot deformities.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; Charcot foot; midfoot arthrodesis; locking plate technology; external fixation

(Published: 1 June 2010)

Citation: Diabetic Foot & Ankle 2010, 1: 5282 - DOI: 10.3402/dfa.v1i0.5282