Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy Research Articles

Charcot reconstruction using a novel intramedullary nail along the medial column: 3-5 year follow-up results

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a destructive, chronic disease of the bone structure and joints, and is identified in patients experiencing peripheral neuropathy, frequently associated with diabetes. The foot and ankle are most impacted by Charcot neuroarthropathy; whereas the goal of management is to stabilize the joint to avoid pedal collapse, infection, and foot amputation. Novel surgical approaches and hardware have shown promise in achieving these goals, allowing patients to return to ambulation, while avoiding late-stage complications. This multicenter, retrospective, consecutive case series reviewed individuals with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy who underwent surgical reconstruction using a novel locking intramedullary nail (LIN) in the medial column with at least 36 months of follow-up. Patients were treated between 2019 and 2021.This report presents data and outcomes on 30 patients with Charcot disease treated with a LIN to achieve stability and fusion along the medial column of the reconstruction, with 36-60 months of follow-up data. Of these patients, 93.3% (n = 28) demonstrated complete (multiple joint) fusion along the medial column while there were zero nonunions. Overall, the mean time to fusion was 14.1 weeks (range 10-18 weeks) and 18.1 weeks mean time to functional braced-weightbearing (range 12-28 weeks). Overall, this retrospective review investigated the long-term use of a novel LIN in Charcot neuroarthropathy patients. The success of this LIN was demonstrated by the rate of fusion and time to functional braced-weightbearing, and safety was demonstrated by the low incidence of adverse events. Overall, these results indicate that use of a LIN within the medial column to be successful in the surgical reconstruction of an unstable midfoot Charcot deformity.

Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Open Approaches for Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy Reconstruction

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNA) is a progressive disease affecting the bones and joints of the foot that can lead to instability, breakdown, and collapse. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are becoming a popular option within musculoskeletal surgery of the foot and ankle and may be an alternative to aggressive dissection seen during corrective surgery. An MIS approach minimizes vascular disruption, provides structural stability at an osteotomy or arthrodesis site, and encourages early mobilization if indicated. This retrospective study compares 17 patients who underwent an open approach for midfoot CNA reconstruction with 17 patients who underwent an MIS approach for midfoot CNA reconstruction. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters were measured: lateral talus-first metatarsal, anteroposterior (AP) talus-first metatarsal, calcaneal pitch, and cuboid height. Difficulties that occurred during treatment were gathered and sorted into postoperative problems (stage I), obstacles (stage II), and complications (stage III). Changes from preoperative to postoperative radiographic lateral talus-first metatarsal and AP talus-first metatarsal angles were statistically significant (p < .001) for both the MIS and open approach. No true postoperative complications (stage III) were observed at last follow-up. The most common difficulty encountered was pin-site infection (stage I; in 23.5% of patients) in the MIS group. In the open group, the most common complications were wound development (stage I; 23.5%) and nonunions (stage II; 23.5%). Our findings suggest that midfoot CNA reconstruction with MIS methods offers similar outcomes to the open approach.

Outcome of Surgical Fixation for Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy - A Systematic Review.

Charcot arthropathy is a condition which is progressive, non-infectious, destructive and debilitating that commonly affect foot and ankle. This systematic review is to evaluate the occurrence of common outcomes associated with each intervention of Charcot neuroarthropathy in midfoot. A systematic review on literatures that were published from Jan 2010 to Jan 2020 were collected, reviewed and selected regarding the surgical treatment procedures of Charcot neuroarthropathy in midfoot. The initial search yielded 231 reports and after exclusion, nine out of the total studies were included in the outcome analysis for review. These were studies that included data concerning surgical reconstruction of Charcot arthropathy in the midfoot. It is suggested that soft tissue preparation and usage of combination of implants thus reduce the risk of infection as well as increase rigidity of construct, respectively. These factors will aid to improve outcome of midfoot Charcot arthropathy reconstruction.

Radiodensity Analysis of Lateral Column Superconstruct Fixation Sites in Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Lateral column deterioration and subsequent loss of function poses a challenge for limb preservation in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN). Application of “superconstructs” provides stability and clinical improvement to an often-ulcerated lateral foot. This study examines radiodensity in Hounsfield units (HU) to compare bone quality of lateral column fixation targets using computed tomography (CT) scans between patients with and without midfoot CN. A retrospective chart review identified control (nondiabetic, non-CN; n = 29) and midfoot CN (n = 21) groups. Patient demographics and medical history were collected. Two reviewers measured the mean HU of circular regions of interest centered on the fourth and fifth metatarsal heads as well as the anterior, middle, and posterior thirds of the calcaneus. Radiodensity was compared between groups, among calcaneal locations, Eichenholtz stages and Brodsky types. A p value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant. Age and body mass index were not significantly different between groups. The CN group exhibited greater HU than the control group at the metatarsal head and calcaneus (p < .001). The anterior calcaneus exhibited greater HU than the posterior calcaneus in the CN group (p = .02). The difference in HU was not statistically significant between Stages 0-1 and Stages 2-3 or midfoot Brodsky Types. Indirect bone density analysis revealed an increased density in CN compared to control patients with no significant difference between midfoot CN stages or types. The anterior calcaneus was the densest rearfoot bone among the CN patients, a result that may have implications in surgical fixation.

Midfoot Nail-Plate-Constructs for Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A Cohort Study with Midterm Follow Up

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Diabetes; Other Introduction/Purpose: Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a complex disease process with progressive degeneration of normal bone architecture. Treatment options for CN include both conservative measures and operative management with the goal of achieving or maintaining a plantigrade ulcer-free foot. Operative treatment of CN varies widely with regards to timing and type of interventions. Surgical interventions include debridement, exostectomy, and complex reconstructions. The technique of intramedullary beaming with supplemental medial locking plate (referred to here as a Midfoot Nail Plate Construct (MNPC)) utilizes large diameter intramedullary screws linked to a medial locked plate for midfoot stabilization which is the focus of this study. Methods: Nineteen patients (20 limbs) with midfoot CN treated at our institution by a single surgeon between January 2017 - December 2021 met inclusion criteria and were included in our MNPC cohort. Retrospective chart review was performed to obtain demographic data, comorbidities, previous treatment data, ambulation status pre/post intervention, radiographic (Brodsky) classification, time to intervention, number of operations, and outcomes after operative management with MNPCs with a descriptive statistical analysis. Furthermore, post-intervention outcomes (rates of post-operative ulceration, post-operative infection, and amputation) were compared to the our previously studied institutional baseline data of post- surgical complications of CN in 58 patients treated between 2005-2016 with limited and reconstructive techniques without MNPCs. Results: The mean age of the MNPC cohort was 56.3 (range 37 - 73 years), mean BMI was 39.4, and 73.7% of patients had diabetes (mean A1c 7.34, A1c range 5.8 to 10.5). 43% had undergone previous non-operative management and 19% received prior operative treatment. Mean follow up was 19.9 months (range 3 - 47 months). Average time from presentation to intervention was 10.1 months (range 1 - 32 months). Post-intervention rates of ulceration, infection, and amputation for the MNPC cohort were 30%, 25%, and 15% respectively. Compared to our institutional baseline data of complications after limited and reconstructive surgical techniques without MNPCs from 2005-2017, MNPC had a lower rate of ulceration and amputation. Ulceration rate after limited, reconstructive, and MNPC were 34.4%, 42.3%, and 30% respectively. Infection rates were 25%, 42.3%, and 25%, with amputation rates of 21.9%, 23%, and 15% respectively. Conclusion: Despite continued innovation in surgical management of CN of the foot, post-intervention complication rates remain high. This study provides patient and outcome data for Midfoot Nail Plate Constructs as a treatment for CN in a large cohort with midterm follow up. Compared to our own institutional historical data prior to adoption of this technique, MNPCs have an equivalent infection rate and lower rate of ulceration and amputation at an average of 19 month follow-up.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis for the treatment of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy

Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle is a destructive disorder resulting in severe and debilitating deformity. The goal of surgical reconstruction in Charcot neuroarthropathy is to create a stable, plantigrade foot that is amenable to bracing and offloading. Many reconstruction methods have been described in the literature including ostectomy of osseous prominences, realignment ostoeotmies, intramedullary midfoot beaming, plate fixation and external fixation. In this study we describe the use of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy in 12 consecutive patients. The mean age of our patient population was 61.33 years, mean BMI was 37.03 kg/m2, 9 patients were type II diabetics, 2 patients were type I diabetics and 1 patient had a diagnosis of idiopathic neuropathy without underlying diabetes mellitus (DM). The mean duration of DM diagnosis was 24.73 years. 9 patients within the study population had suffered from chronic or recurrent ulcerations secondary to osseous deformity that had failed conservative treatment and 3 patients had residual ulceration at the time of surgery. Fusion was observed in 10 of 12 patients within the study. All patients had a functional, plantigrade foot post-operatively. Overall, 5 patients are ambulating in custom diabetic shoes without assistive devices while the remaining patients are ambulating with assistive devices. The results of this study indicate that tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail fixation for midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy is a reliable treatment option to provide a stable, plantigrade, braceable foot.

Radiodensity Analysis of Medial Column Superconstruct Fixation Sites in Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a highly destructive, pathologic process with devastating consequences to foot structure and viability. The use of intramedullary fixation "superconstructs" allows for "re-bar" support of compromised bone and allows for some dynamic fixation. This study examines radiodensity in Hounsfield units (HU) to compare bone quality of medial column fixation targets using computed tomography scans between patients with and without midfoot CN. A retrospective chart review identified control (nondiabetic, non-CN; n = 29) and midfoot CN (n=21) groups. Patient demographics and medical history were collected. Two reviewers measured the mean HU of a circular region of interest centered on the first metatarsal head and the anterior, middle, and posterior thirds of the talar body. Radiodensity was compared between groups, and among talar locations, Eichenholtz stages and Brodsky types, with statistical significance set at p ≤ .05. Age and body mass index were not significantly different between groups. The CN group maintained greater mean HU than the control group at the metatarsal head (p < .001), and talar body locations (p < .019). The difference in mean HU of these bones was not statistically significant between Stages 0 to 1 and Stages 2 to 3 or Brodsky Types 1 and 2. Mean HU differences among talus positions were not statistically significant. Indirect bone density analysis using HU showed an increased density in CN patients with no significant difference among talar body locations or midfoot Charcot stages and types. These results may assist in optimizing fixation length. Future studies may examine these densities in ankle CN.

Coronal Hindfoot Alignment in Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Coronal plane hindfoot malalignment produces abnormal compensatory forces within the midfoot and forefoot. The primary aim of this study is to compare radiographic hindfoot alignment in patients with a midfoot Charcot event, and identify patterns associated with breakdown. A retrospective review of 43 patients (48 limbs) with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy were compared between the coronal hindfoot alignments and Charcot joint involvement. Coronal hindfoot alignment was classified as neutral (n = 15), valgus (n = 16), and varus (n = 17) utilizing the Saltzman hindfoot alignment radiograph. Charcot joint breakdown was classified as isolated tarsometatarsal joint (n = 8), combination of tarsometatarsal and naviculocuneiform joints (n = 22), and midtarsal joints including talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints (n = 18). Patients exhibiting varus hindfoot alignment had 5.8 times greater risk of breakdown at the tarsometatarsal and naviculocuneiform joints (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 1.7-22.9, p < .01). Hindfoot varus induces external rotation of the talus, resulting in compensation through the naviculocuneiform and tarsometatarsal joint, which correlates with our findings of a 6-fold increase in naviculocuneiform and tarsometatarsal joint collapse. Patients exhibiting valgus hindfoot alignment had 27 times greater risk of breakdown at the midtarsal joint (odds ratio 27.0; 95% confidence interval 5.6-207.0, p < .01). Hindfoot valgus induces internal rotation of the talonavicular joint, which correlates with our findings of a 27-fold increase in midtarsal joint breakdown. Varus and valgus hindfoot alignment are associated with different midfoot injury patterns, which may have implications in surgical management and allow for focused surveillance in neuropathic patients presenting with early-stage clinical findings consistent with Charcot neuroarthropathy.

Predictive Radiographic Values for Foot Ulceration in Persons with Charcot Foot Divided by Lateral or Medial Midfoot Deformity.

Background: To identify differences in radiographic outcomes in weight-bearing lateral X-ray to predict the probability of ulceration in patients with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) differentiated by lateral and medial column deformities. Methods: Thirty-five patients who suffered from CN midfoot deformity participated in this 1 year prospective study in a specialized diabetic foot unit. Lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, and cuboid height were performed by digital radiographs in the weight-bearing lateral view. Patients were followed up for 1 year or until an ulcer ulceration event occurred in the midfoot region. Results: ROC analyses showed that all patients with medial pattern deformity that developed a midfoot ulcer had a lateral talar-first metatarsal angle greater (negative) than −27.5 degrees (°). All patients with lateral pattern deformity that developed a midfoot ulcer had a calcaneal pitch greater (more negative) than −5° and a cuboid height greater (more negative) than −1.5°. Conclusions: Lateral talar-first metatarsal angle was the greatest predictor of midfoot ulceration, with greater than −27.5° measurement correlating with ulceration occurrence in patients with medial deformity. Calcaneal pitch and cuboid height were the greatest predictors of midfoot ulceration with greater than −5 and −1.5°, respectively in patients with CN lateral deformity.

Outcomes of Tendo-Achilles lengthening and weight-bearing total contact cast for management of early midfoot charcot neuroarthropathy

Aim of studyTo report outcomes of tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) followed by weight-bearing total contact cast (TCC) in the out-patient setting for patients presented with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) and, develop a new classification system for midfoot CN based on this experience. Patient and methodsPublished evidence suggests that tight Achilles-gastrocnemius-soleus complex is the deforming force in the initiation and progression of midfoot CN and TAL has shown to improve the range of ankle dorsiflexion and reduction of midfoot plantar pressures. We utilised this technique in the out-patient setting followed by weight-bearing TCC for all new patients who presented with a diagnosis of midfoot CN from February 2018.We report their outcomes after a 12 months follow-up and propose a new classification system based on the clinical and radiographic parameters. ResultsTAL followed by weight-bearing TCC was performed in 33 feet. In 30 feet, the disease progression either stopped or receded to a lower stage on the new classification system. The procedure was well tolerated by patients in an out-patient setting and there were no reported complications such as wound healing, complete transaction of tendon or deep vein thrombosis. At 12 months follow-up, 30 of 33 pts returned to their pre-procedure level of mobilisation with their usual walking aids or customised shoes. The inter-observer agreement was k = 0.86 for read 1 and k = 0.96 for read 2; and intra-observer agreement ranged from 0.93 to 1.00 for the double read indicating excellent inter-observer and intra-observer agreement. ConclusionTAL followed by weight-bearing TCC is a safe and well tolerated procedure when performed in an out-patient setting. The Charcot disease of the midfoot slowed in the early stages of midfoot CN and in some cases, receded. The new classification system is easy to use, reliable, reproducible and sensitive enough to detect changes in the disease progression.

Surgical treatment of midfoot charcot neuroarthropathy review of literature and our results after superconstruct reconstruction of midfoot charcot neuroarthropathy

BackgroundCharcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the midfoot was traditionally treated non-operatively with off-loading in a total contact cast (TCC). After introduction of the super construct concept, promising results were reported, however there is a need for further studies on this concept. Analysis of non-operative versus operative treatment is presented as well as our results from a consecutive series of 20 patients operated with the superconstruct concept. MethodsTwenty patients were operated from July 2017 until June 2020. Mean age was 58 years (50–80), mean weight was 116 kg (68–156), giving a BMI of 31 (26–45). Preoperative patients off-loaded in a TCC until decreased swelling and skin temperature measurement or ulcer had healed, mean 16 weeks immobilization. Surgery was without tourniquet, using a standard medial and lateral incision. Mean follow up is 24 (5–40) months. ResultsMean operation time was 227 (150–315) minutes. Medial column fusion was mandatory, in five cases as an isolated procedure, in 12 cases in combination with lateral column fusion and in three cases with a talocalcaneal fusion. Preoperative lateral Meary angle decreased from 23.5 to 9.6°, antero-posterior Meary angle decreased from 16.0 to 4.7°. Eight patients had postoperative incisional wound problems. Four patients had partial implant removal. All healed with a good clinical result. Two patients had an acute Charcot attack in the ankle joint during postoperative mobilization. One had a severe collapse of the talus resulting in a below knee amputation, giving an amputation rate of 5%. Radiographic examination at follow up, showed bone union of all patients. Nineteen patients are ambulated in orthopedic shoes at latest follow up, giving a 95% satisfactory result. ConclusionSuperconstruct reconstruction of CN midfoot collapse is a safe procedure. There are incisional wound problems, recognition and fast treatment of these complications is important to achieve good results. There is a risk for overloading the ankle, initiating a new acute Charcot attack. Attention must be on this problem. The surgical technique is demanding and should be performed by experienced foot and ankle surgeons in a multidisciplinary team set up.

Midfoot Charcot Neuro-arthropathy Precipitated by First or Fifth ray Amputation

Charcot Neuro-arthropathy (CN) can occur spontaneously in a neuropathic foot but is often precipitated by an insult to the foot, such as trauma. We noted an association between 1st and 5th ray amputations and the development of midfoot CN in our clinics. We therefore set out to analyse our data over a 6-year period to evaluate and improve our practice. Our project encompassed all diabetic adults with peripheral neuropathy undergoing an amputation of the first or fifth ray between January 2013 and January 2019. Patient demographics, stump length, progression to CN, imaging reports, the need for further operative management, length of stay and operating specialty were collected. Cases that developed CN after 1st or 5th ray amputation ("CN group") were compared with a cohort composed of patients that did not ("non-CN group"). We identified 92 patients (98 surgical episodes) who had previous 1st or 5th ray amputations [77 males (83.7%), 15 females (16.3%), mean age 61.5 ± 13.5]. Midfoot CN developed in 16 cases (17.4%; nine following 1st ray and seven following 5th ray amputation). This represented 30.9% of all our new CN cases. CN was diagnosed within six months in six cases and up to three years in the remaining 12. Five of the 1st ray amputations were conducted with a stump length of ≤10 mm from the tarsometatarsal joint and a further one had resorbed down to it before the Charcot process. Three of the 5th ray amputations were carried out leaving a stump length ≤25 mm. Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) analysis showed no obvious diagnostic value of stump length in predicting CN (area under the curve 0.42 (95% CI 0.26 - 0.59)). Following a logistic regression analysis into effect of age, gender and peripheral vascular disease, only age was found to significantly affect the risk of developing CN (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.122, p = 0.013). This is the first report of midfoot CN developing after 1st or 5th ray amputations. The foot could be destabilised following these procedures, leading to increased pressures across the midfoot. Our small sample was unable to demonstrate a significant correlation between stump length and CN risk. However, more work is needed to ascertain this. Meanwhile, we believe this translates clinically into a need for enhanced foot protection following 1st and 5th ray amputations in our practice.

Is Reconstruction of Unstable Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy Cost Effective from a US Payer's Perspective?

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a morbid and expensive complication of diabetes that can lead to lower extremity amputation. Current treatment of unstable midfoot deformity includes lifetime limb bracing, primary transtibial amputation, or surgical reconstruction of the deformity. In the absence of a widely adopted treatment algorithm, the decision to pursue more costly attempts at reconstruction in the United States continues to be driven by surgeon preference. To examine the cost effectiveness (defined by lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs] and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER]) of surgical reconstruction and its alternatives (primary transtibial amputation and lifetime bracing) for adults with diabetes and unstable midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy using previously published cost data. A Markov model was used to compare Charcot reconstruction and its alternatives in three progressively worsening clinical scenarios: no foot ulcer, uncomplicated (or uninfected) ulcer, and infected ulcer. Our base case scenario was a 50-year-old adult with diabetes and unstable midfoot deformity. Patients were placed into health states based on their disease stage. Transitions between health states occurred annually using probabilities estimated from the evidence obtained after systematic review. The time horizon was 50 cycles. Data regarding costs were obtained from a systematic review. Costs were converted to 2019 USD using the Consumer Price Index. The primary outcomes included the long-term costs and QALYs, which were combined to form ICERs. Willingness-to-pay was set at USD 100,000/QALY. Multiple sensitivity analyses and probabilistic analyses were performed to measure model uncertainty. The most effective strategy for patients without foot ulcers was Charcot reconstruction, which resulted in an additional 1.63 QALYs gained and an ICER of USD 14,340 per QALY gained compared with lifetime bracing. Reconstruction was also the most effective strategy for patients with uninfected foot ulcers, resulting in an additional 1.04 QALYs gained, and an ICER of USD 26,220 per QALY gained compared with bracing. On the other hand, bracing was cost effective in all scenarios and was the only cost-effective strategy for patents with infected foot ulcers; it resulted in 6.32 QALYs gained and an ICER of USD 15,010 per QALY gained compared with transtibial amputation. As unstable midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy progressed to deep infection, reconstruction lost its value (ICER USD 193,240 per QALY gained) compared with bracing. This was driven by the increasing costs associated with staged surgeries, combined with a higher frequency of complications and shorter patient life expectancies in the infected ulcer cohort. The findings in the no ulcer and uncomplicated ulcer cohorts were both unchanged after multiple sensitivity analyses; however, threshold effects were identified in the infected ulcer cohort during the sensitivity analysis. When the cost of surgery dropped below USD 40,000 or the frequency of postoperative complications dropped below 50%, surgical reconstruction became cost effective. Surgeons aiming to offer both clinically effective and cost-effective care would do well to discuss surgical reconstruction early with patients who have unstable midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy, and they should favor lifetime bracing only after deep infection develops. Future clinical studies should focus on methods of minimizing surgical complications and/or reducing operative costs in patients with infected foot ulcers. Level II, economic and decision analysis.

Surgical treatment of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes: a systematic review.

A wide range of clinical presentations of Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot with concomitant osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes has been described. Existing literature provides an equally diverse list of treatment options. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the outcomes specifically for the surgical management of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes. A systematic review was conducted by three independent reviewers using the following databases and search engines: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), Google Scholar, Ovid, PubMed and Scopus. Search terms used were: Charcot neuroarthropathy, osteoarthropathy, neuro-osteoarthropathy, neurogenic arthropathy, osteomyelitis, midfoot, foot, ankle, diabetes mellitus, ulceration, wound, infection, surgical offloading, diabetic reconstruction, internal fixation, external fixation. Studies meeting the following criteria were included: English language studies, studies published from 1997-2017, patients with diabetes mellitus surgically treated for Charcot neuroarthropathy of the midfoot (specified location) with concomitant osteomyelitis, with or without internal and/or external fixation, follow-up period of six months or more postoperatively, documentation of healing rates, complications, and need for revisional surgery. Studies which were entirely literature reviews, descriptions of surgical-only technique and/or cadaveric studies, patients without diabetes, studies that did not specify location of osteomyelitis and Charcot neuroarthropathy, and treatment proximal to and including Chopart's/midtarsal joint specifically talonavicular, calcaneocuboid, subtalar, ankle were excluded. A total of 13 selected studies, with a total of 114 patients with diabetes of which 56 had surgical treatment for midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis, met the above inclusion criteria and were used for data extraction. Surgical intervention for midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy with osteomyelitis in patients with diabetes demonstrated a relatively high success rate for a range of procedures including debridement with simple exostectomy, arthrodesis with or without internal or external fixation, and advanced soft tissue reconstruction. However, this systematic review emphasises the need for larger, better designed studies to investigate the efficacy and failure rates of surgical treatment in this group of patients.

Abnormally Large Synovial Herniation Resulting in Progressive Rocker Bottom Deformity in a Patient with Idiopathic Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A Case Report

Deformities associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN), a rare and devastating post-diabetic complication, place patients at risk for infection and amputation. In the present case, a 56-year-old male with idiopathic CN presented with complaints of progressively growing plantar soft tissue deformity. Routine hematology, biochemistry, paracentesis, and fluid analysis were conducted. The patient was treated conservatively and will continue to be monitored for progression of the condition.

Comparison of Beaming Screw Outcomes with and without Subtalar Arthrodesis in Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction

Category:Diabetes, Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is a complication of neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus (DM) and may involve multiple joints of the foot, in particular the midfoot. Patients with CN deformity associated with infection, ulceration or pre-ulceration are at risk of losing their limb. In these patients, reconstruction of the foot structure through beaming arthrodesis screws for stabilization is often required. In addition to midfoot beaming, previous reports have advocated for subtalar arthrodesis. Fixation of the subtalar joint restricts motion of the hindfoot. This rigid fixation has been hypothesized to offer greater stability and fewer hardware failures. The aim of this study was to describe failure of midfoot beaming screws after midfoot reconstruction of CN with and without subtalar arthrodesis.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed patients with DM diagnosed with CN. Patient radiographs were evaluated for type of midfoot Charcot reconstruction and hardware failure. Patients included in the study had follow up of 3 months or more. The main outcome variable of interest was hardware breakage.Results:Eighteen patients who underwent midfoot reconstruction for CN were included. The average age was 52.7 years (±8.4 years), 10 (55.6%) were male, and the average body-mass index (BMI) was 35.8 kg/m2 (±10.3 kg/m2). The average follow-up time was 6.5 months (±3.7 months). In the current series, thirteen out of 18 (72.2%) patients underwent subtalar fusion along with midfoot fusion. Screw breakage occurred in two patients, one at the 1st tarsometarsal joint and 2nd-4th tarsometarsal screws in another patient at 9 and 6 months respectively. Both patients with screw breakage had subtalar fusion. A third patient who had subtalar fusion subsequently developed collapse of their talus leading to subtalar screw removal 3 months after initial surgery.Patients without subtalar fusion did not experience screw breakage.Conclusion:An extended medial column fixation with subtalar arthrodesis has been previously proposed to provide better fixation after midfoot CN reconstruction with beaming screws as it restricts motion of the hindfoot. However, little to no evidence has been reported in favor of this technique. Our findings suggest that subtalar arthrodesis may result in fixation that is too rigid, which may place the beaming screws at higher risk of breakage. However, the number of observations is a limitation of our study, and further investigation comparing these techniques is needed to fully evaluate the effect of subtalar arthrodesis on midfoot beaming outcomes.

Reliability of the Measurement of Cuboid Height in Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Cuboid height is a quantitative radiographic measurement of the relationship of the inferior cuboid to the plantar osseous plane of the lateral column of the foot and might be associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy. We evaluated the reliability of the cuboid height measured by a group of foot and ankle surgeons on subjects with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy. Ten board-certified foot and ankle surgeons, 10 residents, and 10 medical students measured the cuboid height on 11 lateral weightbearing radiographic projections of subjects with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy. Cuboid height measurements were grouped categorically with calculation of an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Ten unique images were used, with 1 repeated image to provide a measure of intrarater agreement. The overall measure of reliability of cuboid height measurement was an ICC of 0.997. Specifically, the ICC was 0.987 for surgeons, 0.992 for residents, and 0.989 for students. Participants were in agreement with the repeated measure in 24 (80.0%) of 30 cases. Specifically, each group (surgeons, residents, and students) were each in agreement for 8 (80.0%) of 10 repeated measurements. In conclusion, these results demonstrate excellent reliability for radiographic measurement of cuboid height on subjects with midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation to provide a measure of reliability for this radiographic outcome, which is potentially related to clinical outcomes in the evaluation and treatment of this challenging patient cohort.

Arthroscopic Arthrodesis of the Lesser Ray Tarsometatarsal Joints: 2-Portal Technique

Tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) destruction of the tarsometatarsal articulation of the lesser rays is most commonly due to midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy. Tarsometatarsal arthrodesis is indicated when conservative management cannot relieve the symptoms. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a minimally invasive approach of arthroscopic arthrodesis of the destructed lesser ray tarsometatarsal joints. The arthroscopic procedure is performed through the lateral and P1-2 Lisfranc portals. It has the advantages of better cosmesis, less wound complication, less bone resection, and more thorough joint debridement. However, it is contraindicated if there is associated significant foot deformity or shortening of the lesser foot rays.

Outcome of operative treatment for diabetic midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot and ankle is a demanding clinical dilemma, and surgical management can be very complicated. Historically, the evidence guiding surgical management of CN has been small retrospective case series and expert opinions. The purpose of the present report was to provide a systematic review of studies published from 2009 to 2014 and to review the indications for surgery. A Medline search was performed, and a systematic review of studies discussing the surgical management of CN was undertaken. Thirty reports fit the inclusion criteria for our study, including 860 patients who had undergone a surgical procedure for the treatment of CN. The surgical procedures included amputation, arthrodesis, debridement of ulcers, drainage of infections, and exostectomy. The midfoot was addressed in 26.9% of cases, the hindfoot in 41.6%, and the ankle in 38.4%. Of the 30 studies, 24 were retrospective case series (level 4), 4 were controlled retrospective studies (level 3), and 2 were level II studies. The overall amputation rate was 8.9%. The quality of the published data on the surgical management of CN has improved during the past several years. Evidence concerning the timing of treatment and the use of different fixation methods remains inconclusive.

Relationship of Cuboid Height to Plantar Ulceration and Other Radiographic Parameters in Midfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy

The objective of the present investigation was to examine the effect of cuboid height on the presence of plantar midfoot ulceration and the relationship of cuboid height to other commonly performed radiographic parameters during evaluation of midfoot Charcot neuroarthropathy. A retrospective analysis was performed of 68 feet in 60 subjects who met the inclusion criteria. We did not observe statistically significant differences in the presence of a plantar midfoot ulceration when considering a cuboid height threshold of 0.0 mm, 2.0 mm, −2.0 mm, or −5.0 mm nor was the cuboid height a robust predictor for the presence of plantar midfoot ulceration when considering the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, or specificity. We observed a significant negative association between a negative cuboid height and the presence of Sanders Type 2 deformities (76.2% of those with negative height versus 50.0% of those with positive height had type 2 deformities; p = .0036), the absence of radiographic visualization of the lateral tarsometatarsal joint (71.4% of those with negative height versus 26.9% of those with positive height had an absence of radiographic visualization; p = .005), and lower calcaneal inclination angles (6.06° versus 15.08°; p < .001). We further observed significant positive correlations between the cuboid height and the calcaneal–fifth metatarsal angle (0.655; p < .000), calcaneal inclination angle (0.591; p < .001), calcaneal–cuboid angle (0.254; p = .038), medial column height (0.264; p = .029), and first metatarsal inclination angle (0.245; p = .047). We also observed negative correlations with Meary's angle (−0.475; p < .001) and the talar declination angle (−0.387; p < .001). These findings showed a general trend toward a decreasing cuboid height and increasing sagittal plane deformity involving both the medial and the lateral columns. The results of the present investigation provide evidence against a single radiographic parameter being associated with the presence of plantar midfoot ulceration.