Charcot ankle arthrodesis with retrograde nailing: Case report

Abstract

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a destructive disease. It is very important to recognize early; and with appropriate management can prevent catastrophic outcomes. Delaying the diagnosis often preclude successful conservative management of these deformities which necessitate surgical intervention for limb salvage. Materials and Methods: We review the current literature on surgical reconstruction of Charcot neuroarthropathy and present a case report of ankle arthrodesis with retrograde nail after evaluating the patient with complains of deformity of left ankle clinically, radiologically who came to KIMS Hospital and research centre.Surgical management: The primary indication for surgical reconstruction is deformity associated with instability. Other indications include impending ulceration, osteomyelitis, presence of in and/or significant pain. Arthrodesis of the ankle is the method of choice when surgically correcting Charcot Neuropathy deformities. The choice of fixation (i.e. internal or external fixation) depends on largely on the presence or absence of active infection and bone quality.Conclusion: Surgical reconstruction of ankle CN is associated with a high rate of infectious and noninfectious complications. Despite this high complication rate, surgeons recommended on surgical reconstruction of ankle CN should strive for limb salvage rates approximating 90% with non-weight bearing mobilization for atleast 6 months with fusion taking upto 11 months.