Complex reconstruction of the diabetic foot and ankle

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 187; no. 5; pp. S81 - S86
• Main Authors: Garapati, Rajeev, Weinfeld, Steven B
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.05.2004; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Ankle; Ankle Joint - surgery; Arthropathy, Neurogenic - complications; Arthropathy, Neurogenic - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Blood; Diabetes; Diabetic Foot - complications; Diabetic Foot - surgery; Feet; Foot Deformities, Acquired - complications; Foot Deformities, Acquired - surgery; Foot diseases; Fractures; General aspects; Humans; Infections; Medical imaging; Medical sciences; Orthopedic Procedures - methods; Patients; Peripheral neuropathy; Surgery; Syphilis; Tendons; Ulcers; X-rays; Endocrinopathy; Ankle; Medicine; Treatment; Surgery; Diabetes mellitus; Complexes; Foot
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9610(03)00309-X

Reconstruction of the diabetic foot presents significant challenges for the surgeon. The goals of treatment are correction of deformity as well as elimination of infection, with production of a stable, plantigrade foot. Certainly not all patients with Charcot deformities require reconstruction. Many can be effectively managed with proper shoe modifications with orthoses. Bracing is also effective in providing support and in preventing further deformity. Surgical treatment is indicated for patients with recurrent ulceration or an unstable foot. Reconstruction of the Charcot foot should eliminate deformity and remove “high-pressure” areas of the foot and ankle. Achieving these goals should help prevent ulceration and infection, thereby avoiding the most devastating complication of the Charcot foot: amputation.