Management of midfoot diabetic neuroarthropathy

Between 1986 and 1990, we treated 68 patients with diabetes and neuroarthropathy of the midfoot, 21 of whom had bilateral involvement. Patients were managed according to a strict protocol defined by activity of the neuroarthropathy, instability, ulceration, infection, and ischemia. Initial management of acute neuroarthropathy (18 feet) was open reduction and arthrodesis (8), a total-contact cast or brace (9), and amputation (1). All patients with subacute neuroarthropathy (30 feet) were initially treated in a total contact cast. Four of these feet subsequently required amputation, two required arthrodesis, and one required exostectomy. For chronic neuroarthropathy (41 feet), a total-contact cast or a molded orthotic insert with or without bracing was used initially in all feet. Subsequent surgical salvage for this group included arthrodesis (9), plantar exostectomy (6), amputation (2), and abscess drainage (2). Four patients died during this treatment period and 64 patients (85 feet) were evaluated at a mean interval of 3 years (range 1-6 years) after initiation of treatment. This treatment program was found to be successful in 82 of 85 feet treated.