October 4th, 2018 , Foot & Ankle International

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction with Intramedullary Beaming (Abstract)

Authors: Ford SE, Cohen BE, Davis WH, Jones CP

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical outcomes and complications of patients with midfoot Charcotmanaged with midfoot osteotomy, realignment arthrodesis, and stabilization using intramedullary beams.

METHODS:

Consecutive patients with midfoot Charcot treated at a tertiary-care foot and ankle center from January 2013 to July 2016 who underwent corrective osteotomy with internal beam fixation were identified; 25 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, weightbearing radiographs, and patient-reported outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was defined as restoration of a stable, plantigrade, ulcer-free foot. Median age was 58 years, median BMI was 32, and 80% were diabetic (75% insulin-dependent).

RESULTS:

An ulcer-free, stable, plantigrade foot was obtained in 84% of patients. The radiographic lateral and anteroposterior Meary angle medians improved 9° and 15°, respectively, from preoperative to final postoperative weightbearing measurements ( P < .001 and P = .02). Overall, 46% of midfoot osteotomies were united on final radiographs at a median 18-month radiographic follow-up. Deep infection developed in 6 (24%) patients. The presence of a preoperative ulcer was found to be predictive of postoperative infection (P = .04); all 6 deep infections occurred in patients with preoperative ulceration. Four (16%) patients progressed to amputation at a mean 15 postoperative months, all for deep infection.

CONCLUSION:

Midfoot Charcot reconstruction with intramedullary beaming allowed for restoration of an ulcer-free, plantigrade foot in most patients, but the complication rates were high, especially in patients with preoperative ulceration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Level IV, retrospective case series.

To read the full study, CLICK HERE.

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