The management of acute Charcot fracture-dislocations with the Taylor's spatial external fixation system

The surgical repair of acute diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy of the midfoot remains a challenge with little guidance available in the medical literature. The authors present a review of the diabetic Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy process and proposed surgical intervention techniques with a special emphasis on the available data regarding the use of external fixation. A detailed, step-by-step, guide through the foot-specific Taylor spatial external fixation system is provided. Finally, the authors' preferred technique for these difficult limb salvage cases is presented in detail.