Comparing Clinical Characteristics and Short-Term Outcomes Between Adult and Geriatric Patients Undergoing Charcot...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Geriatric Medicine
• Podiatric Medicine

Background:

• Treating chronic diseases in aging populations presents challenges to quality of life.
• Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) management is complex, with wounds and infection impacting limb salvage decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of geriatric patients undergoing Charcot reconstruction.
• To compare outcomes between geriatric and adult Charcot reconstruction patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 125 patients (2016-2022) undergoing Charcot reconstruction.
• Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, deformity type, surgery, discharge, and complications.
• Statistical comparison between geriatric (G) and adult (A) cohorts using t-tests or chi-squared tests.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in Charcot type, wounds, osteomyelitis, or fixation between G and A groups.
• Geriatric group had higher incidence of delirium and urinary tract infections.
• Geriatric group had higher discharge to nursing facilities (43% vs 19%) but similar baseline function.

Conclusions:

• Geriatric Charcot reconstruction patients experience higher rates of non-surgical, age-related complications and mortality.
• Pre-operative assessment and discussion of age-related comorbidities are essential for geriatric patients.
• Informed consent should thoroughly address potential surgical and age-related complications.