Double posterior lateral plating arthrodesis for charcot ankle: A case series

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Diabetic Foot Complications
• Arthrodesis Techniques

Background:

• Charcot ankle, a severe complication of diabetic neuropathy, often requires surgical intervention for instability.
• Ankle arthrodesis aims to fuse the ankle joint, providing stability and pain relief.
• While intramedullary nails are common, studies on double posterior lateral plating for Charcot ankle are limited.

Observation:

• Three diabetic patients with Charcot ankle presented with pain, swelling, and deformity.
• Radiological assessment indicated significant ankle deformity.
• Pre-operative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot scores were very low (0-10).

Findings:

• All patients underwent ankle arthrodesis using double posterior lateral plating.
• Post-operative follow-up at 4-6 months showed successful talus union and improved ankle deformity.
• AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scores significantly improved to the 70s, indicating better function and pain reduction.

Implications:

• Double posterior lateral plating provides stable internal fixation, adequate compression, and angular stability for ankle arthrodesis.
• This technique is a promising alternative for managing complex Charcot ankle cases.
• Further research can validate this plating method for broader clinical application in diabetic foot surgery.