Charcot Reconstruction: Understanding and Treating the Deformed Charcot Neuropathic Arthropathic Foot

Abstract

With worsening diet and increasing prevalence of diabetes, patient encounters with Charcot neuropathic arthropathy (CNA) are expected to increase. Without intervention, the pathology progresses with further subluxation/dislocation and fracture, placing soft tissues at risk of preulceration or formal ulceration, infection, and potentially major amputation. The need to avoid amputation is of paramount importance. Although a formal single eradicating tool for CNA is lacking, there is capacity to intervene in ways that may curtail the pace of destruction. This article reviews understanding of the disease process and provides guidance to surgical reconstruction of the deformity.

Keywords: Amputation; Charcot neuroarthropathy; Charcot neuropathic arthropathy; Diabetes; Diabetic foot deformity; Equinus; Superconstructs.