Charcot foot deformity: surgical treatment options

Charcot arthropathy can have a significant impact on the patient regarding limb salvage and overall health. With longer survival rates of patients with diabetes the incidence of Charcot arthropathy has been noted to be increasing in occurrence within the last several years. The treatment of the Charcot foot, both nonoperatively and operatively, has been a topic of debate as the number of complex wounds and lower extremity deformities has been increasing. In the past, amputation was arguably the most common surgical treatment. However, with the advent of a better understanding of the disease process and the development of new fixation and surgical techniques, more potential surgical treatment options besides amputation now exist. For any healthcare provider involved in the care of the diabetic foot, it is important to know when to seek referral or consultation for possible surgical correction, and what options are available in the limb salvage treatment arena.