[Complex reconstruction with internal locking plate fixation for Charcot arthropathy]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomaterials science

Context:

• Charcot foot reconstruction presents challenges in implant selection.
• No international consensus exists on optimal implants for osteosynthesis and repositioning.

Purpose:

• To analyze bone fusion, complications, pseudoarthrosis, and patient satisfaction using locking plates for Charcot foot.
• To compare locking plates with screw fixation for internal fixation.

Summary:

• Retrospective analysis of 63 Charcot feet (Sanders type II/III) treated with locking plates (2004-2014, mean follow-up 2.4 years).
• 50% achieved bony fusion; 26% had functional pseudoarthrosis with intact implants; 22% showed non-healing with broken implants.
• Locking plates demonstrated superior biomechanics over screw fixation and are preferred over external fixation due to stability.

Impact:

• Internal fixation with locking plates is a viable and stable method for Charcot foot reconstruction.
• Findings suggest locking plates offer advantages in stability and potentially patient outcomes compared to other fixation methods.