Method of two-stage treatment of total and subtotal defects of the foot in Charcot neuroosteoarthropathy

Abstract

Introduction One of the complications of diabetes mellitus is Charcot's osteoarthropathy, associated with the development of angio-neuropathic and metabolic disorders in the foot and loss of limb weight-bearing. Its association with purulent infection not only worsens the quality of life of patients, but also poses a threat to life. The literature reports very conflicting information about the choice of reconstruction technologies and methods of foot fixation. The lack of unified approaches and generally recognized protocols indicates the dissatisfaction of orthopedists with the results achieved and the imperfection of the technologies used. The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of the Masquelet technology and Ilizarov transosseous osteosynthesis in Charcot osteoarthropathy in conditions of purulent infection. Material and methods The authors present an original approach to foot reconstruction in 8 patients, based on the combined use of the Masquelet technology and Ilizarov transosseous osteosynthesis. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 11 months from the date of the primary operation. Results In all patients treated by this technique, the limb support was restored. Nonunion, loss of correction, and late infection complications were not detected. Discussion The combined use of transosseous osteosynthesis allows discrete correction of multicomponent foot deformities without creating additional angiotrophic disorders, and the use of Masquelet bone grafting to sanitize pathologically altered tissues with the formation of an induced membrane that produces growth factors and has antimicrobial activity. Choosing the tactics of treatment for preservation of the foot as an organ in patients with severe condition of the feet with Charcot osteoarthropathy, the method of two-stage surgical treatment is justified and provides length compensation of the segments, limb support even in cases where, at first glance, amputation has relative indications. Conclusion Differentiated application of the Ilizarov and Masquelet technologies is effective and justified in conditions of Charcot's arthropathy.