Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction with Intramedullary Beaming

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Midfoot Charcot osteoarthropathy is characterized by non-infectious osteolysis that often leads to midfoot collapse and resultant ulceration. Deformity and ulceration often lead to deep infection and amputation. Midfoot reconstruction with intramedullary screws (beams) is a recently described technique that provides deformity correction and a stable construct without the extensive exposure required for plate fixation. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical outcomes and complications of patients with midfoot Charcot managed with midfoot osteotomy, realignment arthrodesis, and stabilization using intramedullary beams. Methods: A surgical database query of a tertiary-care foot and ankle center was performed from January 2013 to July 2016 to identify patients with midfoot Charcot who underwent corrective osteotomy with internal beam fixation. 24 patients (Median Age: 60; Median BMI: 32.5; Diabetic: 79%; Insulin Dependent: 74%) were identified and included in the final analysis. Patients with minimum one-year follow-up were evaluated with physical examination, weight-bearing radiographs, and patient-reported outcome measures (FAAM and VR-12). The primary outcome measure was defined as restoration of a stable, plantigrade, ulcer- free foot. Secondary outcome measures include quantitative angular correction, rates of reoperation, post-operative infection, and amputation. Results: The lateral Meary’s angle median improved from -29° preoperatively to -21° on final postoperative radiographs (p<0.001). Likewise, the AP Meary’s angle median improved from 17° to 2° (p