Ways To Treat And Prevent Charcot Foot

Surgical Repair

Surgical repair for Charcot foot is used in advanced stages of the disease. The surgery is done to reshape deformities and remove bony protrusions caused by the condition. Several different operations may be used depending on the severity of the deformities. One of the most commonly performed surgical procedures is the osteotomy, which can be done with either local or general anesthesia. While an osteotomy can be done on an outpatient basis, it usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure is completed by making an incision along the bottom of the foot and removing bone fragments, cartilage, and abnormal growths. Following the procedure, a cast is often worn for one month.

In more advanced cases, a midfoot realignment arthrodesis is used. Performed under general anesthesia, this operation removes bony growths and repairs the collapsed arch in the foot. Plates and screws are placed during the procedure to stabilize the foot. After the surgery, patients have to wear a cast preventing the foot from bearing weight, typically for three months. Another type of procedure, the hindfoot and ankle realignment arthrodesis, is performed when Charcot foot has made it impossible for a patient to walk. The operation requires general anesthesia and multiple nights in the hospital. During the surgery, fragments of bone and cartilage are removed, and both screws and plates are inserted at specific points to give stability to the bones. Patients must wear a cast for three months after the procedure, and a brace must be worn for three months after the cast is removed.

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