Enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth: consideraciones ortopédicas

Abstract

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a degenerative hereditary disease of the peripheral nervous system. The change is progressive and causes deformities in the feet and hands. The musculature of the leg and foot are most affected. The form of presentation is very diverse owing to the muscle involvement being different in each patient. The high-arched foot is the most common form of presentation. Conservative treatment consists of correction splints, in-soles and rehabilitation. Surgery may be indicated when conservative treatment fails. The deformity and pain are the main problems. In flexion deformities surgery is indicated to conserve the joints. Claw hammer toes should be treated with tendon transfers and arthroplasty. The claw deformity in the big toe is caused by the descent of the first metatarsal and hyperactivity of the hallucis longus extensor muscle. The Jones technique is performed as treatment for this deformity of the big toe. The descent of the first metatarsal requires a dorsiflexion osteotomy in the base of the first metatarsal. For the hind foot varus a calcaneal vagus osteotomy is used. The tightening of the plantar fascia, gastrocnemius and Achilles is treated with an extension of the muscle contractures. When the deformities are rigid, it will be necessary to perform an arthrodesis of the affected joints. The arthrodesis most used is the triple arthrodesis.