Surgical management of Charcot foot - The advancements over the past decade

Abstract

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a progressive, destructive condition leading to deformity, dysfunction and, in some cases, amputation. Much evolution has occurred over the last couple of decades in the management of Charcot foot with a focus on developing limb salvage and reconstructive techniques. The aim has been to achieve a stable plantigrade foot that remains pain and ulcer-free whilst reducing amputation rates. Soft tissue and bony reconstructions have been explored, and various modalities of fixation, including internal, external, and combined techniques, have been described and their outcomes published. Currently, no strong evidence exists which supports a particular modality of treatment, nor have there been any randomised studies to this effect, but the results are nevertheless promising. Recent studies have reported on minimally invasive techniques, the use of super construct fixation, computer-navigated deformity correction, the efficacy of techniques such as subtalar arthrodesis or tendon balancing procedures and staged deformity corrections. There is a need for more controlled and comparative studies with consistent reporting of intended outcomes to create a stronger portfolio of evidence on the surgical management of Charcot foot.

Keywords: Achilles tendon lengthening; Charcot; Exostectomy; Hindfoot; Midfoot; Neuropathic deformity; Reconstruction; Tendon balancing.